Alternative Names: None
Origin: Argentina, China, U.S.A.
Mineral Species: Rhodochrosite
Mineral Group: Carbonates
Chemical Formula: MnCO3
Hardness: 3.5-4
Crystal System: Trigonal
Colour: Pink, rose, red, yellowish-grey, brown, white, gray; colourless to pale rose in transmitted light. Reds occur when the mineral has minimal iron content.
Typical Appearance: Usually massive crystalline, rarely as individual rhombohedral crystals. Notably, in banded concentric layers, occasionally stalactitic, with contrasting cream calcite, from Argentina.
Birthstone: Scorpio and Leo
Chakra Alignment: Heart
Element: Water
Origin of Name & Mythology: "From the Greek ρόδον, ""rose"", and χρώσις, ""colouring"", referring to its colour. "
Rhodochrosite is energising and tremendously uplifting. With its bright pink colouration (in its classic colouring), it obviously aligns with the heart chakra and love. In this case, although working on many levels and in many contexts, the emotional sense tunes into the feelings we get with the exciting first flutterings of new love, and it can bestow a positive enthusiasm and love for life and all within it.
Rhodochrosite can be employed as a general balancer, including balancing male/female energy, and makes an excellent anti-depressant. It aids our recognition of the restrictions and inhibitions we place on ourselves, or have accepted and adopted through upbringing and environment, so we can release them and embrace the delights life presents us. Its energy is gentle but very dynamic, and so it can also be used to increase the libido.