The mineral rhodonite

	Chemical Formula	MnSiO₃
	Composition	Manganese silicate, sometimes with some calcium, iron, and magnesium
	Variable Formula	(Mn,Ca,Fe,Mg)SiO₃
	Color	Red, pink, orange-red, and brownish-red. Massive specimens usually have black veins running through them. Some specimens tarnish black or brown upon exposure to air.
	Streak	Colorless
	Hardness	5½ - 6
	Crystal Forms and Aggregates	(Triclinic) Crystals, which are rare, are tabular and rectangular prismatic. They are usually rounded on the edges and in columnar aggregates. Most often in grainy masses, in compact groupings, coxcomb aggregates, fibrous groupings, and massive.
	Transparency	Transparent to translucent
	Specific Gravity	3.4 - 3.7
	Luster	Vitreous
	Cleavage	2,2 - forming at an angle near 90º
	Fracture	Hackly, uneven
	Tenacity	Brittle
	Varieties	Fowlerite - Zinc-rich variety of Rhodonite Bustamite is usually classified as a calcium-rich variety of Rhodonite, but is scientifically a separate mineral.
	Polymorphs	Pyroxmangite
	In Group	Silicates ; Inosilicates
	All About	Rhodonite can be a beautiful pink color. It often has black manganese oxide veins running through it, giving it a distinct appearence. For this reason it is carved into beads, cabochons, and ornamental objects. Some massive specimens are sold to collectors after being sliced and polished.
	Uses	Rhodonite is a popular mineral among collectors. It is also a minor gemstone, being cut and polished into cabochons, beads, and other ornamental objects. Rhodonite is also a minor ore of manganese.
	Striking Features	Color, crystal habits, and localities
	Popularity (1-4)	2
	Prevalence (1-3)	2
	Demand (1-3)	2
	Distinguishing Similar Minerals	Rhodochrosite - softer (3½ - 4), lacks black veins Pyroxmangite - indistinguishable without complex tests Bustamite - lighter pink Pink Feldspar - lacks black veins
	Commonly Occurs With	Calcite, Willemite, Franklinite, Tephroite, Spessartine, Pyrolusite, Pyrite, Galena, Pyroxmangite, Bustamite
	Noteworthy Localities	Some of the finest crystals came from Franklin and Ogdensburg, both in Sussex Co., New Jersey. Large masses occur in abundance there, but the fine crystals seem to be exhausted. In Langban, Sweden, crystals similar to those found in the Franklin area are found. Other worldwide localities include the Ural Mountains of Russia (Sverdlovsk); Chikla, India; Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia; and Minas Gerais, Brazil. A blood-red, transparent variety is from Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia. Three other U.S. localities are Cummington, Massachusetts; Cumberland Hill, Rhode Island; and the Cowee Creek District (near Franklin), Macon Co., North Carolina.
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