Polished Rhodonite Sphere
Weight: 1.8 lb / 0.8 kg
Origin: Madagascar
Rhodonite is a pink manganese silicate mineral of variable composition that often contains significant amounts of iron, magnesium, and calcium. It has a generalized chemical composition of (Mn,Fe,Mg,Ca)SiO3. Rhodonite is often associated with black manganese oxides which may occur as dendrites, fracture-fillings, or matrix within the specimen. Other names for rhodonite include "manganese spar" and "manganolite."
Named in 1819 by Christoph Friedrich Jasche from the Greek ρόδον, "rose", referring to its color.
Rhodonite is a manganese inosilicate (chain silicate) and member of the Pyroxenoid group of minerals. It primarily occurs in massive or granular habits, compact groupings, coxcomb aggregates, and rarely as transparent crystals in thick tabular form, often with rounded edges. In massive form, Rhodonite is most often rose-pink to red with black dendritic veins or patches of manganese oxide running through it, though it can also be orange-red or brownish-red. Rhodonite was first discovered in the 1790’s in the Ural Mountains of Russia near Maloe Sidelnikovo, and was called orletz by the locals, Russian for “the Eagle Stone” because people began to notice eagles in the region often carried small pieces of the stone to their nests. It soon became tradition to place small Rhodonite stones in their babies’ cradles as well. The custom was later extended to giving Rhodonite to travelers as a protective stone. Massive blocks of orletz containing Rhodonite and other manganese minerals weighing up to 48 tons apiece were mined from this location and many mines throughout the Urals, used for ornamental carvings, massive inlays and beautiful jewelry made famous by Czars and nobles.
This mineral was officially named Rhodonite in 1819 by Christoph Friedrich Jasche, from the Greek rhodon, meaning “rose,” and refers to its characteristic pink color. It has been referred to as Peach Blossom Jade, Vermilion Jade, or Pink Marble; and in the Urals as orletz, bakan, Hornstone, or Ruby Spar. It is mined in many locations around the world, including Madagascar. Rhodonite is sometimes confused with the manganese carbonate Rhodochrosite, as well as the high pressure, low temperature polymorph Pyroxmangite.
Each piece in this collection is hand-selected and unique, you will receive the specific piece that you choose from the photographs listed.