Rhodochrosite
Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral and Colorado's state mineral. The Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado has produced some of the most spectacular rhodochrosite crystals in the world — deep raspberry-red scalenohedral crystals on matrix that fetch tens of thousands of dollars. The stalactitic variety from Argentina is cut into slabs revealing beautiful pink concentric banding.
Physical Properties
Chemical Formula
MnCO₃
Hardness (Mohs)
3.5–4
Color
Rose pink, raspberry red, pale pink — banded
Luster
Vitreous to pearly
Crystal System
Hexagonal (trigonal)
Streak
White
Cleavage
Perfect rhombohedral (3 directions)
Specific Gravity
3.5–3.7
🔍 Field Identification Tips
Bright rose-pink to raspberry color. Hardness 3.5–4 (steel knife easily scratches it). Perfect cleavage in 3 directions. Fizzes in warm HCl acid (carbonate mineral). Distinguished from rhodonite by lower hardness and lack of black veins. Distinguished from pink calcite by color intensity and slightly higher SG.
Varieties & Forms
📍 Where to Find Rhodochrosite in the US
Uses & Applications
Jewelry, collectors specimens, carvings. Colorado state mineral.
💰 Collector Value Guide
Common massive: $10–$50/lb. Small Colorado crystals: $50–$500. Top Sweet Home Mine specimens: $1,000–$50,000+. Stalactitic slab: $20–$200.
Find Rhodochrosite With Our Tools
Use the We Lick Rocks app to identify specimens, find dig sites, and connect with local rockhounds.