Rhodonite has been long valued as an ornamental stone. This particular variety of rhodonite is sometimes referred to as “Inca Rose.”

Rhodonite History

This rosy pink gemstone gets its name from the Greek word “rhodos,” meaning “rose colored.” Eighty square meters of columns are inlaid with rhodonite in the Moscow Metro and Mayakovskaya Station in Russia.

After the discovery of banded rhodonite in Argentina during the 1930s, there was a boom in popularity. In 1979, rhodonite was made the state gem of Massachusetts.

Rhodonite Metaphysical Properties

Something happens when you wear rhodonite. You feel relaxed and revitalized. Rhodonite does for us what paying attention to nature always does for us: it softens our needs. It helps us put petty things behind us.

It reminds us that leisure is important and that there’s a bigger picture we often lose sight of. We pay attention to small things like the petals of tiny white daisies, the gossamer wings of a dragonfly, or a leaf pressed so long into a stone it has become part of it. That’s the experience and wisdom of rhodonite.

It’s no surprise this pink hue is associated with the heart chakra, opening the wearer to unconditional love.

Rhodonite Geological Properties

Not an entirely common mineral, rhodonite is found in small deposits from Russia, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Sweden, Peru and England as well as North Carolina, Colorado, Massachusetts and New Jersey in the United States.

Rhodonite has a distinctive pink hue and is often also characterized by black manganese oxide dendrite veins that create visually interesting formations.

Proper Care of Rhodonite

Rhodonite is certainly not the toughest gemstone, but it is actually fairly resilient when it comes to the various cleaning methods that can be used. The most common and safest method for cleaning rhodonite is to use warm soapy water and an untreated cloth, but steaming can also be used and ultrasonic machines are usually safe.

It’s best to use the mildest method first. It is not recommended to boil rhodonite as a cleaning method.

After cleaning rhodonite, store this gemstone away from harder gems or materials to avoid creating surface imperfections.

To learn more about rhodonite and other gemstones, order your copy of Walter Schumann’s revised and expanded edition of Gemstones of the World.

Designing with Rhodonite

Just because rhodonite is a pink stone, doesn’t mean this gemstone is off limits for men’s jewelry. The warm hue still has a masculine appearance, especially when the black dendritic inclusions are emphasized by pairing with other black gemstones such as black onyx, lava rock or obsidian.

For women’s jewelry, there is no end to the creative possibilities. Analogous color schemes could be created by using rhodonite alongside pink lepidolite or dyed pink gemstones like mountain “jade” and bamboo coral.