Most Rhodochrosite is from the Capillitas Mine, Andalgalá, Catamarca, Argentina. Though there is some beautiful material from Colorado too.
Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral.
Rhodochrosite actually formed in the Incan silver mines after they were abandoned in the thirteenth century. These magnificent pink gem stalactites are collected and made into designer cabochons for jewelry world wide.
This uniquely marbled pink semi precious stone is a combination of various shades of pink, ranging from very light to a deep raspberry. A manganese ore, Rhodochrosite appears in a banded pattern with various white minerals, often calcite, making very striking designer cabochons.
Its name is derived from the Greek words rhodon ("rose red") and chros ("color"). Rhodochrosite gem stones have a hardness of 3.5 to 4.
Rhodochrosite was approved as the official state mineral of Colorado by the state representatives and senators and signed by the governor on April 17, 2002.
Rhodochrosite is said to be a stone of love. Rhodochrosite jewelry stones sooth the heart and comforts the soul. It is said to combat anxiety and stress.