Rhodochrosite is a translucent pink to dark red mineral. The banded pattern found in most rhodochrosite specimens resembles bacon, thus the colloquial expression “bacon fat effect”. This mineral is not usually found in fine jewelry, but rather in carvings, beads and cabochons. Rarely translucent specimens are faceted.
Gemological Information for Rhodochrosite
| Color: | Pink with Bands of White, Gray or Brown, Transparent Pink and Red |
| Crystal Structure: | Hexagonal (Trigonal) |
| Refractive Index: | 1.597 to 1.817 |
| Durability: | Poor |
| Hardness: | 3.5 to 4.5 |
| Family: | |
| Similar Stones: | Rhodonite, Unakite and Hydrogrossular |
| Treatments: | None |
| Country of Origin: | Argentine, Australia, Germany, Romania, Spain, U.S., South Africa |
Rhodochrosite Care
| Ultrasonic Cleaning: | Never |
| Steam Cleaning: | Never |
| Warm Soapy Water: | Safe |
| Chemical Attack: | Effervesces to Hydrochloric Acid |
| Light Sensitivity: | Stable |
| Heat Sensitivity: | Turns Dark and Breaks with a Jeweler's Torch. |
Sources
- Gem Reference Guide, Los Angeles: Gemological Institute of America, 1988. Pp. 201-202.
- Newman, Harold. An Illustrated Dictionary of Jewelry, New York: Thames and Hudson, 1981. Pp. 257.
- Schumann, Walter. Gemstones of the World, New York: Sterling Publishing, Co., 1977. Pp. 168.
- Gem Reference Guide, Los Angeles: Gemological Institute of America, 1988. Pp. 201-202.
- Newman, Harold. An Illustrated Dictionary of Jewelry, New York: Thames and Hudson, 1981. Pp. 257.
- Schumann, Walter. Gemstones of the World, New York: Sterling Publishing, Co., 1977. Pp. 168.