Rhodochrosite: description, properties and varieties

Minerals and gems have always attracted humanity. Over the years, little has changed, except that we have become more aware of them. An amazing stone is rhodochrosite, which has become the hero of our conversation.

Rhodochrosite became known to the modern world relatively recently - in the 30s of the last century. But our ancestors - the ancient Aztecs - widely used the mineral in rituals, for jewelry and for medicinal purposes. They appreciated this stone, attributed magical properties to it and believed that it personified the blood of their great leaders. No wonder rhodochrosite is called the "rose of the Incas".

A beautiful legend is associated with rhodochrosite. The girl and the sorcerer fell in love with each other. But the sorcerer lived in a cave, and his beloved was bored and dreary there. She dreamed of gardens and flowers. The sorcerer wanted to make her happy, so he created stone flowers that adorned the walls of the cave.

The main, largest deposit of this mineral is located in Argentina. Also, rhodochrosite is mined in the United States and southern Africa. Red and pink stones are found here. The most beautiful and expensive specimens were obtained in Peru.

This amazing stone has been widely used in various industries.

• Decorating requires the use of large minerals with an unusual pattern.Such specimens are widely used in creating a unique interior and in various types of design.

• Ornamental accessories are mostly made from solid, large pieces of rhodochrosite. Statuettes, boxes and vases are usually created.

• Rhodochrosite is actively used in jewelry. Most often, stones are cut in the cabochon style, and other options are also used. These gems are most suitable for beads and bracelets. You can often find options and products cut into precious metal in the form of jewelry. Rhodochrosite became a full-value gemstone only in 1950. A quality rhodochrosite with an interesting color in a suitable cut costs more than gold.

• In the industrial sphere, rhodochrosite is also widely used. This mineral is used as a raw material for ferromanganese smelting. It is also widely used in the chemical field. It is rhodochrosite that is used for charging in the process of smelting steel and iron.

There are 5 main varieties of the mineral, which is proudly called the "rose of the Incas". They differ in shades, structure and degree of transparency:

• capillite stands out with a unique hue that ranges from yellowish brown to gray with streaks;

• ferric mineral is represented by crystals with iron impurities, which stand out with reddish shades;

• understand can be transparent and translucent, pale pink color, heterogeneous;

• cobaltoan - it is a transparent, clean stone with a bright pink color, almost red, is the most expensive and rare;

• zincorochrosite characterized by a white color, can be transparent and translucent.

Rhodochrosite, like any other mineral, is characterized by a number of features and characteristics. To better understand this gem, you need to familiarize yourself with them.

This mineral has the chemical formula MnCO3. It has the following characteristics:

• persistent shades, ranging from pale pink to deep red;
• with a high content of manganese, the shade of the mineral becomes lighter;
• iron impurities make the shade intense, add an orange tone;
• the stone has a banded structure;
• low strength;
• a large number of substances (iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, cadmium) can act as natural impurities;
• hardness index is in the range from 3.5 to 4;
• the density is 3.69 g / cm³;
• perfect cleavage and trigonal syngony;
• glass luster;
• the fracture has a conical character, is characterized by unevenness and steppedness;
• the stone can be transparent or opaque;
• birefringence is at -0.22, which is the maximum.

Rhodochrosite is reasonably attributed to life-giving abilities. This stone is able to get rid of amenorrhea, cure psoriasis and chronic hypertension. You should not rely on a stone alone, the main treatment should still be carried out. With rhodochrositis, treatment will be more effective, and ailments will not have a chance.

In case of eye diseases, you can gaze intently at the stone, which will improve the condition. Therefore, it is recommended to place the gem at eye level so that it constantly falls into the field of view. Rhodochrosite is recommended for people whose work is connected with a computer.

To cleanse the blood and remove toxins from the body, a tincture based on a powder made from rhodochrosite is used. In case of painful sensations, it is recommended to use heated mineral plates. Also, such procedures will reduce inflammation.

To alleviate the condition with menopause is also within the power of a gem. If you massage your face with rhodochrosite, you can remove fine wrinkles and restore elasticity to the skin. A small mineral under your pillow can help normalize sleep and relieve nightmares.

Rhodochrosite is of great importance to humans. After all, the Incas did not love rhodochrosite in vain, and attributed many magical properties to it.

• The ability to have a beneficial effect on the state of mind, to restore calmness and peace of mind is most appreciated in this stone.
• The pink mineral is characterized by the ability to increase self-esteem, make its owner confident and decisive. Also, this stone is able to unleash creativity and develop creativity.
• Amulets with rhodochrosite are prized for their ability to protect their wearer from bad emotions and to assist in building relationships with people around them.
• Rhodochrosite represents tenderness, love, family idyll and passion. It is not surprising that this mineral is used by married couples to build relationships. He prepares lonely hearts for changes in his personal life and for meeting his half.
• It is widely believed that rhodochrosite helps to improve the financial condition. To do this, you need to place a figurine made of a solid mineral in the room.

Rhodochrosite has astrological properties like many other minerals. Stone compatibility is associated with some names and zodiac signs. First of all, this gem should be chosen by people who, according to the horoscope, belong to Libra, Virgo and Gemini. He will help Virgos to reveal organizational talents, Gemini will be able to find their purpose and choose the right path in life.

Libra with the help of this stone can become more confident and successful.

But Cancers need to categorically refuse this mineral. The reason is as follows: during the growth of the moon, rhodochrosite will cause unfounded fears, nervousness and anxiety. This is due to the presence of a link between the mineral and the lunar calendar.

As for the names, rhodochrosite is best suited to Varvara and Natalia, Denis and German, Igor and Lydia. In this case, the gem will act as a talisman, attract success and help in your personal life.

It is recommended for students and pupils to wear a rhodochrosite brooch or pin. This jewelry will promote academic success, increase creativity, help you focus and make you feel more confident.

Hand-made amulets are especially powerful. It is very important here to choose the right stone that will suit your future owner. The stones are as different as people.

It is very difficult to distinguish rhodochrosite from a fake, which is readily used by dishonest sellers. A fake mineral can look great, attract with rich color and good structure, but still be a dummy and a cheap trinket. To buy natural, high-quality rhodochrosite, it is necessary to adhere to simple rules when choosing a mineral:

• a genuine mineral has a layered color, in which there are small inclusions;
• pallor is typical for most of rhodochrosite, bright stones are a great rarity, but rich shades are very common among fakes;
• the stone is able to withstand high temperatures, so you can hold it over an open fire;
• it is impossible to test the stone for strength, since it stands out for its fragility and simply will not stand the test.

Rhodochrosite needs special care. In this case, the stone will always look perfect and will not become a source of negative energy. Care rules are extremely simple:

• several times a week, the stone needs to be wiped, thereby removing the accumulated negative and possible dust;
• for storing the gem, it is necessary to adapt a fabric bag and a casket, because the stone is fragile and can be damaged if handled carelessly;
• stones used for massage are cleaned after each procedure;
• the stone reacts negatively to contrasting effects;
• it is often not worth washing the gem under water, since the polish can fade from moisture.

Exoteric techniques are used to clean the stone:

• burying in the ground;
• Tibetan sound bowls;
• placers of rock crystal;
• hanging on plants.

For a description of the properties of the stone, see the following video.