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Rhodonite


Properties
Chemical Composition: 
Manganese Silicate with traces of Ca, Zn and Fe may be present. MnSiO3
Classification / Type: 
-
Colors / Varieties: 
Rose-red, orange-red, brownish-red (transparent to translucent to opaque). Massive, similar to marble i.e., pink veined, with black oxidized manganese spots or veins at the surface.
Crystal System / Forms: 
Triclinic System / Massive large crystals, in tabular and granular habits.
Hardness: 
6
Specific Gravity: 
3.40 - 3.70
Cleavage / Fracture: 
2 directional prismatic cleavage but not seen due to aggregate form / Conchoidal fracture
Optic Character: 
Anisotropic, D.R.; Biaxial positive
Lustre: 
Vitreous to pearly
Refractive Index / Birefringence: 
1.711 - 1.751 (Spot R.I.: 1.73) / 0.013
Pleochroism: 
Distinct trichroism in transparent variety.
Dispersion: 
-
Magnification: 
Black manganese oxide spots or veins at the surface.
U.V. Fluorescence: 
Inert.
Spectrum: 
Strong line at 503nm, band centered at 548nm, cut off at 490nm
Cause of Color: 
Manganese
Treatment (Enhancement): 
-
Specific Tests & Remarks: 
-
Synthesis: 
-
Simulants (with key separation tests): 
Rhodochrosite (structure, birefringence), Hydrogrossular Garnet (structure, spectrum), Jade (R.I., S.G., structure), Unakite (R.I., structure)
Geological Occurrence: 
Manganese ore bodies in calcite.
Sources: 
Russia (Ural Mountains), Sweden, South Africa, Australia, England, U.S.A. (New Jersey), etc.
Cuts & Uses: 
Facetted, cabochon, beads, carving, etc.
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