Guide
Rhodochrosite specimens for sale
302 for sale · $50–$30,000 USD
1,726 in the gallery
Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral that forms in a rhombohedral crystal system, commonly presenting a pink to rose-red coloration and a vitreous to resinous luster. Crystals often occur as well-formed prisms or nodular masses, frequently showing banded patterns from alternating growth zones. High-quality specimens display sharp faces, pleasing transparency, and a warm candy-pink hue that can contrast vividly with dark host rocks.
- Formula
- MnCO3
- Rarity
- Common
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- Very High Interest
- Classification notes
- Carbonate mineral; Calcite group, Strunz 5.AA
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- trigonal
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5–4
- Specific gravity
- 3.5–3.7
- Luster
- vitreous, pearly
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent, opaque
- Color
- pink, red, brown, gray, yellow
- Streak
- white
- Cleavage
- perfect
- Fracture
- uneven, subconchoidal
- Crystal habit
- rhombohedral, scalenohedral, tabular, prismatic, botryoidal, stalactitic, granular, massive
- Gem mineral
- Classic / historic
Buy Rhodochrosite specimens
View all 302Where Rhodochrosite is found
Top localities
- Sweet Home Mine163 specimens
- N'Chwaning I Mine142 specimens
- Uchucchacua Mine104 specimens
- N'Chwaning Mines83 specimens
- N'Chwaning II Mine61 specimens
- Manuelita Mine43 specimens
- Santa Eulalia Mining District41 specimens
- Poudrette Quarry34 specimens
- Wutong Mine32 specimens
- Austria Duvas mine28 specimens
Guides
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About Rhodochrosite
Some of the most celebrated material comes from classic pockets in Peru and the sweet formations found in the sweetwater veins of Colorado and adjacent areas, as well as pockets in South Africa. Worldwide collectors prize rhodochrosite from well-documented localities for its color, crystal form, and the way it forms geodes or botryoidal masses that reveal internal growth. The mineral’s appealing color and relatively delicate habit make it a favorite for display pieces and cabinet collections.
