Rhodonite

Scientific Name: Manganese silicate

Group: Silicates – inosilicates

Chemical composition: (Mn, Ca)5(SiO15)

Colors: Pink to rose-red with black and/or white intrusions

Hardness: 6

Formation: Triclinic

Principal Sources: Brazil, Canada, Sweden, Russia, Sweden, England, US.

Special Notes: Rhodonite is often confused with rhodocrosite, but can be easily distinguished by the presence of black markings. It has been used in India as manganese ore. Rhodonite is the official gem of Massachusetts, USA.