By Ray Lundin – Gemologist
Pink is the most common color of Rhodochrosite.
Rhodochrosite, a soft bright-red crystal is found in many places around the world but nowhere as pure and red as in Colorado. Rhodochrosite is from the Greek rodon (rose) and chros (color). It is also called Inca rose and rosinca. It is bright red, and it is so rare that a small chunk can sell for $10,000 or more. A bill was signed on April 17, 2002, by Gov. Bill Owens making Rhodochrosite Colorado’s official state mineral.
State geologist Vicki Cowart said that no other state has rhodochrosite as a mineral, even though 19 states do have a designated mineral. California and Alaska both have gold, for example, while Nevada has silver.
Brian Lees, owner of the Sweet Home Mine in Park County, where one of the biggest, purest veins lies, said the crystal was formed 31 million years ago. It was once ground up for use as a face powder. Early last century, miners discarded it as they were digging for silver. Currently, museums from Washington, D.C., to Paris have exhibits of Colorado Rhodochrosite on display. Rhodochrosite comes in a variety of shades from bright red to soft shades of pink, and opaque forms with swirling patterns. It is an excellent conductor of energy.
The belief that gemstones have special powers goes back centuries and is associated with many cultures. Almost every society has some mention of the powers of gemstones.
This red Rhodochrosite was found at Sweet Home Mine, in Alma.
Legend has it that Rhodochrosite’s powers include drawing love to the wearer, helps release past psychological issues and improves eyesight. It is thought to relieve stress and is used by healers to cleanse the aura. It is also believed to help in the development of inner freedom by helping to resolve inner conflicts and as a stone of love and balance. Many believe it can release the suffering based on past lives and energize the pancreas, spleen and kidneys. It increases the ability to handle life problems and increase personal self-confidence. The Incas, who called it Inca Rose, believed that Rhodochrosite is the blood of their former kings and queens that was turned to stone.
Rhodochrosite is found in Argentina where it forms quantities of large stalactites cave growths of bright pink-banded material. This material is perfect for carving ornamental objects of great attractiveness. This type of occurrence is actually very rare, occurring here in much the same way ordinary calcite cave onyx is formed in many other places in the world. Other localities of significance include Greece, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, Spain, Romania and the United States.
