Transparent Red
Rhodochrosite Gemstones
Rhodochrosite is an interesting rose-colored gemstone that was only introduced to the market around 1940. Though it is not particularly hard — rating only 4 on the Mohs scale — it has become popular as a decorative material due to its attractive soft color and its intriguing variegated markings.
Like rhodolite garnet, rhodochrosite draws its name from the Greek for ‘rose’ (rhodochrosite means ‘rose colored’). By chemical composition rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate. It is related to the mineral calcite, but where calcite has calcium, rhodochrosite has manganese. Transparent red crystals are rare; rhodochrosite is usually found in an aggregate form with alternating light and dark stripes in zigzag bands, somewhat similar in that respect to malachite or agate. The most common colors are light red and pink and it displays a vitreous luster when polished.
Rhodochrosite was first described in 1813 based on a sample from Romania. It most commonly forms in hydrothermal veins associated with silver, copper, and lead sulfides. It was named the state mineral in mineral-rich Colorado in 2002, since some rare large red crystals have been found at the famous Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado.
Rhodochrosite, like lapis lazuli, is almost always cut as cabochons or beads or carved. Rare transparent crystals may be faceted, but they are usually heavily included. Fine, blood-red rhodochrosite mineral specimens are highly desired by collectors, and sometimes command extraordinary prices in the market.
Significant deposits are found in Argentina from localities along the eastern side of the mountains in the west of the country, especially in the province of Catamarca. Other deposits are found in Chile, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, Namibia, Russia, Canada and the USA (Colorado and Montana).
About the Author
GemSelect is a leading online dealer in fine gemstones, specializing in sapphire, spinel, garnet, tourmaline and zircon. Fine Rhodochrosite Gems
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Kona Thin Body Transparent Red Acoustic/ Electric Guitar $135.05 Play your favorite acoustic and electric songs on this stylish red Kona guitar. This musical instrument features a thin body and spruce top. |
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Lino Transparent Red Acrylic Dining Chairs (Set of 2) $170.02 Included for each chair are four black plastic floor protectors, which also stabilize the chair. The chairs, sold as a set of two, are stackable and arrive fully assembled. |
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Activa Women’s Red Transparent Rubber Watch $27.04 This Activa women’s red transparent rubber watch features a green digital dial. With multifunction details, this watch includes Swiss parts quartz movement and secures with a tang buckle clasp. |
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Old Holland Transparent Oxide Red Lake B334 Classic Oil Color $21.77 This Old Holland oil color features paint that is still manufactured according to 16th century methods. No fillers are used in these paints, only pure pigments and virgin cold-pressed sun bleached linseed oil is used. |
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Products From Abroad Fuchsia 25-mm Transparent Grommets (Pack of  $5.73 These grommets are ideal for attaching to shower curtains, backpacks, and duffle bags to keep fabric from fraying and for a professional touch. Each package contains eight pairs of 1.88-inch (25mm) transparent plastic grommets. |