Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite is an interesting rose pink-colored gemstone that most commonly forms in hydrothermal veins associated with silver, copper, and lead sulfides. It was named the state mineral in mineral-rich Colorado in 2002, since some rare large red crystals have been found at the famous Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado and formerly found mainly in Romania and Argentina. By chemical composition Rhodochrosite is a Manganese carbonate, and derives it's beautiful pink color from Manganese. It is related to the mineral Calcite, but where Calcite has calcium, Rhodochrosite has Manganese, which gives it's rich pink color.  Because it is difficult to cut, it is not often seen faceted. There are myths that the Incas believed Rhodochrosite to be the blood of former rulers turned into stone, so it is sometimes called “Rosa del Inca.”  In stone folklore, it is rumored as a love and relationship stone. Rhodochrosite is further rumored to lessen migraines and invigorate the sexual organs.

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