Rhodonite

Info: Rhodonite is more often found in agregates than in crystal form. The original colour of the mineral is pink, but due to errosion it changes to brownish red and black. The crystals of rhodonite are translucent to transparent.

How to recognize: Rhodonite cannot be dissolved in acids, but it can be melted into red or brown glass.

Found: Rhodonite was found in Langban and Pajsberg (Sweden), Franklin and Sterling Hall in New Jersey and Butte in Montana (USA), Broken Hill (Australia), Jekaterinburg (Russia), Brazilia, Finland, France, Italy, Romania, Japan, South Africa and India. Some beautiful speciments favoured in jewelry were found in Tanzania and Canada. In Central Europe Rhodonite was found in Friesach (Austria), Elbingerode, Lautental and Laasphe (Germany). In Czech Republic Rhodonite was found in Chvaleticko area.

Used for: High-quality rhodonites are used in jewelry.