Rhodonite: interesting historical facts about the stone, healing and magical properties. Who is suitable for rhodonite according to their zodiac sign?

The pinkish-hued mineral with thin, sinuous lines of design will captivate with its charms, awakening lost feelings in the depths of the inner world. The gem, like a pink flower, evokes new or long-forgotten sensations associated with tenderness and sensuality.

The magic of the stone revives charm, a powerful tool in the art of seduction.

History and origin

The origin of rhodonite is sedimentary. This is the result of transformations of carbonate structures plus the accumulation of manganese compounds.

The term “rhodonite” was coined and put into scientific circulation by mineralogist Christoph Jasche in 1819, describing hitherto unknown minerals discovered in his native Germany.

In Russia, the discovery of the first specimens of Ural stone was documented in 1792. The deposit of high-grade rhodonite in the vicinity of Yekaterinburg was the only one on the planet until the twentieth century.

In addition to the scientific name, the mineral has been given other names:

• pink stone;
• eagle;
• dawn stone.

Some of them designate a specific type of stone or are accepted only in one area.

Rhodonite deposits

The first known rhodolite deposits were discovered in the Urals at the end of the 18th century.
Today the mineral is mined in Australia (Queensland, New South Wales) and Madagascar. In addition, its suppliers are Spain, England, USA, Mexico, Japan, and Central Asian countries. — Advertising —

In general, rhodonite is one of the minerals widespread in nature. Its formation occurs through the transformation of carbonate sediments, which tend to accumulate manganese in the form of carbonate or oxide along with chalcedony. During metamorphism, these compounds turn into rhodonites, bustamites and tephroites. In addition, the formation of rhodonite occurs in polymetallic deposits at points of contact between limestone and granitoid or on cracks in limestone.

physical characteristics

The mineral is dense, fine-grained agglomerates. Classified as manganese silicate.

Main characteristics:

• chemical formula – Mn2+SiO3;
• color range - from the most delicate pink to reddish with brownishness;
• luster – mother-of-pearl, glass;
• transparency – translucent, transparent;
• hardness on the Mohs scale – 5.5–6.5;
• density – 3.55-3.67 g/cm3;
• the fracture is uneven.

Formula	(Mn2+,Fe2+,Mg,Ca)SiO3
Molecular mass	129,13
Impurity	Al
Color	Pink, red, brown-red, yellow, black
Stroke color	White
Shine	Glass
Transparency	Transparent, translucent
Hardness	5—5,5
Fragility	fragile
Cleavage	Perfect by {110}
Kink	Uneven
Density	3.5—3.75 g/cm³
singonia	Triclinic

Color is the main parameter in the description that allows you to identify rhodonite.

The stone is well processed : cutting and subsequent grinding make the surface mirror-polished.

Types of rhodonite

For rhodonite, according to color characteristics, several subspecies are distinguished:

• Fowlerites – contain yellow-brown inclusions.

• Ribbon rhodonites - with alternating pink, brown and gray stripes.

• Bustamites have a pinkish-gray cut with a pronounced black dendritic pattern.

• “Mourning rhodonite” – contains more black color; monuments and tombstones are often made from it.

Stone deposits

Mega-reserves of rhodonite were first discovered in the Urals two hundred years ago.

Rhodonite rock

It is mined as an independent mineral or an associated component. Reserves have been found on almost all continents:

• America - all of North America plus Brazil;
• Europe – Sweden, Spain, UK;
• Africa – Madagascar, Tanzania;
• Asia - Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, China, Japan, India, Indonesia;
• Australia.

High-quality raw materials are the heritage of Central Asia; the Urals are famous for their large agglomerates. There is a whole “constellation” of rhodonite developments here. In the Russian Federation, stone is also mined in Karachay-Cherkessia, Buryatia, Yakutia, Transbaikalia, Krasnoyarsk, Khabarovsk territories, and Primorye.

The world's main suppliers of the mineral are Madagascar and Australia.

Place of Birth

To the south of Yekaterinburg there is the village of Maloe Sedelnikovo, which became famous thanks to its rhodonite mines. Stone mining occurs in India, Montana and California. There is a famous mine on Salt Spring Island; the pink mineral is also mined in Australia.

Despite the fact that high-quality mineral ore is found in these deposits, production is not of a massive nature. The Ural deposits of the rock, which contains the gem and its alteration products, are considered the main suppliers of rhodonite to the world market.

Types and colors of rhodonite

The main color of rhodonite is pink. But it varies in shades, creating different types of mineral.

Rhodonite stones

Colors

The color range of rhodonite is from the color of tea rose to rich raspberry and cherry.

Lilac-violet specimens were found in the Urals. This is cobalt rhodonite.

Varieties

The following types of mineral are accepted:

• Ruby homogeneous . The shade is deep red, without additives or inclusions. The most expensive type, set in gold.
• Translucent. Also a rare, expensive mineral. It is used for gold items, where it is combined with diamonds and other first-level stones. Available to very wealthy people.
• Homogeneous pink spar . The color of the mineral is delicate pink, the additions are insignificant.
• Fowlerite. Instances with an admixture of zinc. It creates yellow-brownish inclusions.
• Tape. Ferrous and manganese compounds form inclusions-strips of black (brown, gray) and bright pink shades.
• Bustamit. Grayish-pink background with a dark or black tree-like pattern.
• Dendrite. Similar to bustamite, but the background is pink and the image inclusions are red or black. They resemble twigs or moss.
• Mourning. The black color palette dominates. Goes for funeral paraphernalia. The Russian version of the name is mourning eagle.
• Cobalt. Lilac and violet stone.
• Spotted. Multi-colored spotting on the surface: gray, brownish, ocher, ripe raspberry or tea rose colored segments. The cheapest variety.

The most valuable rhodonites are carmine-scarlet.

Varieties

There are several of them.

1. Dendritic rhodonite. The most decorative look. On a dark or light pink background there is a bizarre pattern of dendrites (manganese oxides and hydroxides). These are branches and twigs, like trees, fluffy spots reminiscent of moss.

2. Pink solid eagle. The coloring is rich but delicate. It shines through in thin plates and is highly polished.

3. Uniform ruby ​​eagle. The color is deep pink, red, crimson.
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4. Spotted rhodonite. The spots can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. The color of the spots is varied. These are gray, crimson, yellowish, brownish formations. They consist of rhodochrosite, quartz, tephroite, and spessartine garnet.

5. Vein-spotted eagle. Interesting as an ornamental and facing material. The texture can be either mesh or ribbon. Academician Fersman identified the latter as a decorative variety.

6. Fowlerite — rhodonite with inclusions of brown and yellow colors.

Where is the stone used?

The mission of rhodonite is to decorate life, bring aesthetic pleasure, and delight the eye. The areas of application of the mineral are related to beauty. Depending on its characteristics, it is used as jewelry, ornaments or cladding.

Products with rhodonite

Value scale

For decorators and stone cutters, what matters is how the stone looks. First-grade material should have a maximum of 10% yellow, gray, brown inclusions. Stones are valued if a third of their surface is covered with an intricate pattern.

The object of desire of jewelers is carmine-scarlet, pure, without inclusions or other shades of rhodonite. Beautiful and rare stones are valued, especially translucent bright crimson ones.

Jewelry

The stone is easy to process, so nothing stops the jewelers’ flight of fancy:

• It is used to create a full range of jewelry, from pendants to necklaces.
• Silver jewelry inserts are usually cabochons. This is how the beauty of an ordinary mineral is maximized.
• Translucent examples of the premium segment are awarded a diamond cut. This brings them closer to real diamonds, with which rhodonite is often found next to each other in a necklace, earrings or brooches. The stone is set in high-grade gold or platinum.

Jewelry with rhodonite
The richness of the color palette makes rhodonite suitable for everyone, the main thing is to choose the right stone. Warm-colored stones harmonize with fair skin, while cold-toned stones harmonize with dark or tanned skin.

Arts and crafts

Master stone carvers create figurines, boxes, glasses, large vases, bowls, and other items:

• Thin translucent plates of the mineral become stained glass components, sconces, and chandeliers. The light from the bulbs reveals the pattern of the stone and enhances the depth of color.
• The Mausoleum and elements of the Mayakovskaya metro station in Moscow are decorated with rhodonite.
• The pride of the Hermitage’s rhodonite collection is a vase made of a monolithic block (180x125x88 cm, 2.20 tons).

The largest in the world, the Ural monolith (almost 47 tons), became the sarcophagus of the Romanov family tomb. However, less than seven tons remain from the original.

Jewelry with mineral

Just a couple of centuries ago, the rich decoration of the estate, the amount of precious utensils made of noble metals and stones, were of no small importance for a person of noble origin. They filled the home with gems for beauty, to demonstrate status and wealth.

Also read: Simbirtsit - a miracle mineral from the banks of the Volga

Modern jewelry makers and artists also embody their imagination in working with stone. Many excellent works are for sale. To buy a stone for an amulet, magical jewelry or any other purpose, a list is provided that helps you navigate the prices for the gem.

• price for a beautiful transparent pink crystal, weighing 1.37 carats, measuring 12X4.5 mm $150;
• a translucent stone of rich scarlet color, weighing 13.4 carats, costs $800;
• a set of scarlet rhodonite inserts for earrings, weighing a total of 42.64 carats costs $2,500
• a cabochon of pale pink rhodonite, weighing 9.3 grams, costs $10;
• a pale pink stone vase costs $680.
• Rhodonite was widely used as an ornamental material; real works of art were made from unique samples. Vases, bowls, candelabra, figurines and many other luxury items. Some specimens have great historical value and adorn the halls and collections of State Museums.

Price

Rhodonite is classified as a second-order jewelry and semi-precious stone.

The cost of raw materials is affordable, up to 650 rubles. per kg. Prices for collection material (RUB):

• cabochon (8–14 mm) – 390–850;
• tumbling (1.5-5.5 cm) – 330–710.

The price of jewelry is determined equally by the stone and the metal of the frame (thousand rubles):

• beads (diameter 4.5-5 cm) – 0.9-1.3;
• silver ring – 2.3;
• silver pendant – 0.5;
• bracelet – 0.8-2.3.

Bracelet with rhodonite
Decorative items are assessed by size, quality of material and processing. Average prices (thousand rubles):

• box 10x8x7 – 38-41;
• egg (height 6–7 cm) – 6.5–7;
• figurine (height 5–6 cm) – 8.5–9.

They are available through stores (regular and online).

Uses of rhodonite stone

Jewelers create amazingly beautiful inserts into jewelry from rhodonite. It is fragile. In this regard, not every specialist can cut it. In most cases, gold inserts are made. The combination of rhodonite and rose gold looks very impressive and elegant. Such products add femininity, elegance and sophistication to their owners.

A variety of crafts and souvenirs are created from stone, for example, small boxes, mosaics, etc. Rhodonite is in great demand not only by jewelers, but also by stone cutters. They make stunning floor lamps, obelisks and vases that become decorations in museums and homes of true aesthetes. It is easy to cut various shapes from the mineral.

Separately, it should be noted the most famous masterpieces of art - floor lamps made of rhodonite, the height of which reaches 280 cm. They are located at the entrance to the Hermitage and amaze with their splendor. The columns of the Moscow metro are also decorated with rhodonite.

How to care for rhodonite

The mineral is not particularly hard, so you need to take care of products with rhodonite delicately:

1. The stone easily fades in the sun or in water (especially sea or salt). Therefore, jewelry is not worn on long summer walks, on the beach or in the pool, sauna, shower. Not used for baths.
2. Do not clean stones in hot water, with a hard brush or active substances. Only a soft cloth or brush, soap solution or just water at room temperature.
3. Rhodonite jewelry can be cleaned ultrasonically (in an ultrasonic washing machine).

Pendant with rhodonite
The stone actively absorbs energy, including negative energy. Therefore, jewelry is removed from time to time, and the stones are washed under running water.

Medicinal properties

Rhodonite bracelet

The healing power of rhodonite is aimed primarily at helping the fair half of humanity. The mineral is able to cope with any purely female ailments. But the stone will also help men improve their health. He is capable of:

• Restore liver function, including curing hepatitis.
• Eliminate problems in the genitourinary system, most effectively in women.
• Restore vision and solve all eye problems. Rhodonite is the leader among minerals in this area.

In ancient Eastern medicine, many diseases were treated using rhodonite powder and solid stones, including fighting benign and malignant formations.

• Act as a strong, but at the same time mild sedative. A person who turns to rhodonite for help will not fall asleep while walking, but will at the same time get rid of stress, irritability and nervousness.

Daily meditation with a stone helps to normalize the nervous system, for which patterned varieties are better suited. It is necessary in the evening before going to bed or immediately after waking up to look at a natural pattern for 15 minutes, trying to find the hidden meaning in it.

• Normalize heart function, relieve arrhythmia, improve blood circulation and lower blood pressure.
• Get rid of insomnia and nightmares (the stone should be placed under the pillow) and panic attacks (during an attack, you should hold the mineral in your fist).
• Make a person more cheerful, relieve fatigue.
• Get rid of all kinds of head problems - calm headaches, cure migraines, improve memory and concentration, restore the thought process.

A small specimen of light rhodonite with a minimal number of dark inclusions is recommended for elderly people to always have with them. It will help them feel more cheerful, not forget anything and be more attentive.

How to recognize a fake

Rhodonite is inexpensive, but fakes do happen. Almost always they offer plastic or pink glass instead of stone.

To distinguish a fake, the sample is carefully examined, assessing the following parameters:

1. Coloring. This is what primarily distinguishes rhodonite from imitations. In stone it is heterogeneous, with chaotic patterns and interspersed with other colors and shades. This is difficult to achieve on plastic or glass; the patterns are ordered or absent altogether.
2. Massiveness. Even small real stone is not lightweight like plastic. Glass has average values, but it is also lighter.
3. Thermal conductivity. Hold the sample in your hands. Not too cold, heated up quickly - that means it's plastic or glass. Natural rhodonite is cold and does not immediately become warm in your hands.

The surface must be scratch-free: this is plastic.

Caring for stone products

Pink spar is a soft mineral that is damaged by hitting or dropping it. Therefore, it is better to protect products made from rhodonite from mechanical damage.

If jewelry containing a stone is stored in a box with other jewelry, it may cause scuffs, dents, and scratches to appear on the surface. To preserve the beauty of the gem, it can be placed in a velvet case or a separate case, lined with fabric inside.

Also read: Quartz is the basis of the Earth’s minerals

It is better to clean decorative elements, figurines or jewelry using a soap solution, which is washed off with running water. Items must be dried naturally or with a soft cloth. To polish the product to a shine, it is better not to use aggressive methods or means for polishing; it is better to polish with a piece of velvet cloth.

Despite the fact that high temperature does not affect the structure, you should not heat rhodonite, as this will affect the shade. Sunlight is harmful to gems, as the stone can fade. Therefore, it is better not to leave the jewelry in direct sunlight for a long time.

Therapeutic effect

Several areas of application of the healing properties of the mineral have been identified:

1. Neuropathology. The color of the stone itself calms the nerves, calms the boiling passions, and puts you in a romantic mood. Rhodonite balls are suitable for massage or meditation for those who sleep poorly or are nervous.
2. Pregnancy. The stone is revered by gynecologists and women who want to become mothers. The first talisman helps to make a more accurate diagnosis. It makes it easier for pregnant women to bear and give birth to a healthy baby. The mineral helps those who desire it to become pregnant. A bracelet on the main hand, a necklace or beads are suitable for them.
3. Vision. Pebbles are placed on the eyelids (eyes closed). In this way, vision is strengthened, eye fatigue is relieved after hard work, and problems are prevented.
4. Thyroid . To treat it, short rhodonite beads are worn.
5. Cardiovascular diseases . Cured or inhibited by wearing beads of medium length.

To boost your immune system, place a pink pebble in your pocket or purse. To enhance the effect, medicinal gems are placed closer to the body.

A brooch or ring with rhodonite is worn to improve brain activity, strengthen memory, and heal the liver.

Properties

Rhodonite - English name.

Manganese silicate, usually some of the manganese is replaced by iron, calcium or zinc.

It is a polymineral rock consisting of the mineral rhodonite itself and impurity minerals:

• bustamita (colorless and pale pink);
• spessartine (yellowish-brown);
• rhodochrosite (hot pink);

• tephroitis (gray);
• piemontite (yellowish-greenish);
• quartz (white, light gray) and others.

Physico-chemical

• The mineral contains oxides of manganese, iron, and silicon.
• It has weak pleochroism (yellowish-red or red-yellow shades).
• It dissolves in hydrochloric acid, forming a white silica powder.
• With phosphorus salt and borax it gives a reaction to manganese.

Treat yourself with eagle stone

In the East, an elixir was prepared from rhodonite to treat liver and cancer diseases.

Hindus say that pink eagle stimulates the heart chakra.

Lithotherapists use the gem to treat:

• emphysema;
• photosensitivity;

• joint inflammation;
• arthritis;

• throat infections;
• heart diseases.

Useful for seriously ill people. It will not provide any special assistance in physical healing; its task is to awaken the desire for life, for recovery.

Eagle's magic

• Since ancient times, healers and priests have assured that every woman should wear a rhodonite talisman. The stone seems to have been created for a weak woman in this harsh world.
• It is able to protect against damage, the evil eye and slander.
• A prudent wife will place a thing made of rhodonite in the house. It’s beautiful and will protect the family boat from everyday storms