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www.mineralgallery.co.za Minerals P-T |
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Rhodochrosite |
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Name
Rhodochrosite
Chemistry
MnCo3
Uses
As a minor ore of manganese or as a specimen
Color
Pink to red
Hardness
3.5-4
Specific gravity
3.7
Crystals
Trigonal.
Accompanied by:
Silver ,lead and copper.
Fracture
Uneven.
Luster
Vitreous.
Cleavage
Rhombohedral perfect.
Streak
White.
Similar to:
Rhodonite.
The manganese carbonate mineral Rhodochrosite (MnCO3) is a minor ore of manganese used mainly as a decorative stone and gemstone.
Typically crusts, or columnsdisplaying shiny rose-red, intricately banded surfaces, it forms granular to compact cleavable masses Rhodochrosite occurs in moderate- to low-temperature hydrothermal ore veins, particularly of silver, lead, zinc, and copper, as well as in high-temperature metamorphic deposits.
The very first specimens of rhodochrosite discovered at Hotazel mine during 1963 were not very impressive, these crystals were rather small and associated with gypsum. However in the following year 1964-1967 superb, large rhodochrosites emerged from Hotazel mine and it is these specimens that achieved world fame. Thereafter N'Chwaning mine began production in 1972 and during 1977-1978 even more spectacular, world class rhodochrosites were discovered at this mine.
These were found in greater quantities than at Hotazel, and also in greater varieties.
Wine red scalenohedral crystals up to 7 cm long are arguably the most impressive forms, particularly when aggregated into groups of radiating crystals.
Pink rhombohedral rhodochrosites has been found sporadically at Wessels mine.
