Rhodonite is a translucent to opaque pink to reddish color gemstone with patches or veins of black throughout. Usually cut en cabochon or drilled for beads. The name is derived from the Greek rhodon meaning rose.
Gemological Information for Rhodonite
| Color: | Translucent to Opaque Pink with Black Veins or Splotches |
| Crystal Structure: | Triclinic |
| Refractive Index: | 1.733 to 1.747 |
| Durability: | Good |
| Hardness: | 5.5 to 6.5 |
| Family: | |
| Similar Stones: | Rhodochrosite, Unakite |
| Treatments: | None |
| Country of Origin: | Australia, Madagascar, Mexico, US, South Africa, Sweden, Russia |
Rhodonite Care
| Ultrasonic Cleaning: | Safe |
| Steam Cleaning: | Safe |
| Warm Soapy Water: | Safe |
| Chemical Attack: | Slightly by Acids |
| Light Sensitivity: | Stable |
| Heat Sensitivity: | Fuses to Glass Under a 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.