Rhodonite Meaning and Properties
Rhodonite History
This rosy pink gemstone gets its name from the Greek word "rhodos," meaning "rose colored." Rhodonite has been long valued as an ornamental stone. Eighty square meters of columns are inlaid with rhodonite in the Moscow Metro and Mayakovskaya Station in Russia. In 1979, rhodonite was made the state gem of Massachusetts, and it is also recognized as the unofficial gemstone of the Ural Mountain region of Russia.
What are the Metaphysical Properties of Rhodonite?
Something happens when you wear rhodonite. You feel relaxed and revitalized. Rhodonite is thought to do for us what paying attention to nature always does for us: it softens our needs. It is believed to help us put petty things behind us—to remind us that leisure is important and that there's a bigger picture we often lose sight of. We pay attention to small things like the petals of tiny white daisies, the gossamer wings of a dragonfly, or a leaf pressed so long into a stone it has become part of it. That's the experience and wisdom of rhodonite.
What Chakra is Rhodonite?
Chakras are believed to be energy centers connected to different physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our being. Each chakra influences specific organs, moods, and life experiences. Wearing chakra bracelets offers a stylish and simple way to keep healing gemstones close, promoting balance and positive energy all day long. Rhodonite is associated with the heart chakra and is thought to encourage emotional healing, forgiveness, and nurturing self-love, helping to soothe emotional wounds and foster compassion.
Heart Chakra (Anahata) - Green
- Location: chest (breastbone)
- Represents: the union of male and female principles; ability to love
- Emotional issues: compassion; trust; forgiveness; compassion; complex emotions; tenderness; equilibrium; love
- Spiritual issues: devotion
- Physical issues: immune system; cardio-vascular system; lungs
- Gemstones: amazonite, aventurine, jade, malachite, peridot, rhodonite, rhodochrosite, rose quartz
What is Rhodonite Made From?
Not an entirely common mineral, rhodonite is found in small deposits from Russia, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Sweden, Peru and England, as well as North Carolina, Colorado, Massachusetts and New Jersey in the United States. Rhodonite has a distinctive pink hue and is often also characterized by black manganese oxide dendrite veins that create visually interesting formations.
- Mineral Information: Manganese metasilicate
- Chemical Composition: MnSiO3
- Color: Rosy pink to pink with black inclusions
- Hardness: 5-1/2 to 6-1/2 (Mohs)
- Specific Gravity: 3.40 – 3.70
- Refractive Index: 1.733 – 1.744
How Do You Clean Rhodonite?
Rhodonite is certainly not the toughest gemstone, but it is actually fairly resilient when it comes to the various cleaning methods that can be used. The most common and safest method for cleaning rhodonite is to use warm soapy water and an untreated cloth, but steaming can also be used, and ultrasonic machines are usually safe. It's best to use the mildest method first. It is not recommended to boil rhodonite as a cleaning method. After cleaning rhodonite, store this gemstone away from harder gems or materials to avoid creating surface imperfections.
Rhodonite FAQ
Q: What is the difference between rhodochrosite and rhodonite?
A: Rhodonite is often confused with rhodochrosite due to their similar pink hues, but there are key differences to know. Rhodonite is harder, rating between 5-1/2 and 6-1/2 on the Mohs scale, compared to rhodochrosite’s softer 4. While rhodochrosite tends to be more translucent with white or pale banding, rhodonite is usually opaque and features distinctive black or dark veining. Understanding rhodonite properties—such as its manganese inosilicate composition—helps gemologists accurately identify and appreciate this unique and beautiful mineral.
Q: Is rhodonite a good stone to use in boho style jewelry?
A: Rhodonite is a great stone to use in boho jewelry! Because of its dark banding, it has an earthier quality than the pinker rhodochrosite. The irregularity of the banding makes each piece of rhodonite unique, giving designs an artisanal feel.
Q: Is it true that some believe rhodonite is a good stone to wear during a heartbreak?
A: Metaphysical rhodonite properties include emotional healing and self-care, making it a good choice to wear during a heartbreak.
Q: Inside what cathedral in Russia can you find rhodonite used?
A: Several Russian cathedrals feature rhodonite. In the Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. Petersburg, the tomb of Empress Maria Alexandrovna (1824-1880) is carved from a single 12-ton block of rhodonite. Rhodonite features prominently in a mosaic over the front portal in the Cathedral of the Spilled Blood, also in St. Petersburg. It was also used in the construction of another St. Petersburg cathedral, St. Isaacs.
Designing with Rhodonite
Just because rhodonite is a pink stone doesn't mean this gemstone is off limits for men's jewelry. The warm hue still has a masculine appearance, especially when the black dendritic inclusions are emphasized by pairing with other black gemstones such as black onyx, lava rock or obsidian. For women's jewelry, there is no end to the creative possibilities. Analogous color schemes could be created by using rhodonite alongside pink lepidolite or dyed pink gemstones like mountain "jade" and bamboo coral.
A Few Design Inspirations to Get You Started
Shop for Rhodonite
**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.
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