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The mineral rhodonite is a manganese-iron-magnesium-calcium silicate with the chemical formula (Mn2 +, Fe2 +, Mg, Ca) SiO3. The mineral belongs to the inosilicates. The name of the mineral rhodonite is derived from the Greek rhodon, which means "pink". It has a red ground color with black dendritic inclusions of manganese (IV) oxide. Transparent varieties are very rare. Rhodonite has traditionally been attributed magical powers. It was used to make decorative objects, vases and sarcophagi. In the 16th century, rhodonite was considered a stone of happiness and joy, it cheered the heart, strengthened the mood, strengthened the sense of honor and improved memory. Rhodonite is found in Alaska, Canada, Brazil (Ouro Preto and Minas Gerais) and Mexico. Very beautiful crystals come from Peru (Huanzala). In Australia, transparent crystals of up to 10 cm in size are found at Broken Hill, which are the raw material for faceted stones and weigh only a few carats. Other occurrences are in Japan (Honshu), Indonesia and India. Tanzania (Mwembe), Madagascar, South Africa and Algeria deliver beautiful red crystals. Very important deposits in Russia have been mined since the 18th century. The deposits in the Urals are known, where rhodonite crystals of 40 tons occur. There are smaller sites in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine. In very small numbers, rhodonite precious stones are also still found in Sweden (Pajsberg and Langban), Spain, and to some extent in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Romania and France. Rhodonite ornaments are now the pride of numerous museums and treasuries.
Dimensions | 20-35mm |
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