菱錳礦
MnCO3
Rhodochrosite is a carbonate mineral recognized among collectors for its crystal form and distribution, with several world-class Chinese localities.
Rhodochrosite is prized for one thing above all: colour. The best crystals are an intense raspberry to cherry red, and even the common banded material shows beautiful rose-pink and white layers. It is a manganese carbonate, relatively soft, and forms rhombohedral crystals as well as stalactitic and botryoidal masses.
Identifying rhodochrosite
Look for the pink-to-red colour, rhombohedral crystal form, and a hardness of only 3.5–4 with perfect rhombohedral cleavage — softer than quartz and easily scratched. Banded specimens (from stalactitic growth) show concentric rings of red, pink and white. It forms in hydrothermal veins and manganese-rich deposits.
Where it is found
The Wutong mine and neighbouring deposits near Wuzhou and Liubao in Guangxi, China, have produced notable deep-red rhodochrosite crystals, a true Chinese signature species. Other classic sources are the Sweet Home mine in Colorado (renowned red rhombs), the Capillitas mines in Argentina (banded 'Inca rose'), and the N'Chwaning mines in South Africa.
What collectors look for
Saturated red, gemmy, undamaged rhombohedra are the ultimate prize; transparency and colour drive value steeply. Fine banded cabochon material and aesthetic crystal groups on matrix are also highly sought after.
