Rhodochrosite

About

Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral that is found in a small number of locations worldwide. Typically it is a rose-red color, but impure specimens can be shades of pink to pale brown. It is often slabbed to show off its banded or concentric patterns. Specimens with a wonderful pink color are used to produce highly desirable gemstones a nd is a favorite of many people. Even though it is relatively soft, its Mohs hardness varies between 3.5 and 4, when polished it shows with a beautiful luster.