Rhodochrosite Gemstones

One of nature's more exotic treasures, rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate that gets its name from two Greek words, rhodon meaning “rose” and chros, meaning “color.” This is a fitting name, indeed, as its finest colors range from very pale pink, to deep orangey red. Yellow to brown crystals are also known. Rhodochrosite comes in transparent, semi-translucent, and opaque varieties. Semi-translucent to opaque rhodochrosite is often carved or cut en cabochon and typically displays "bacon strip" or "bull's eye" patterns.