Stripe Agate
Rhodochrosite Gemstones
Rhodochrosite is an interesting rose-colored gemstone that was only introduced to the market around 1940. Though it is not particularly hard — rating only 4 on the Mohs scale — it has become popular as a decorative material due to its attractive soft color and its intriguing variegated markings.
Like rhodolite garnet, rhodochrosite draws its name from the Greek for ‘rose’ (rhodochrosite means ‘rose colored’). By chemical composition rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate. It is related to the mineral calcite, but where calcite has calcium, rhodochrosite has manganese. Transparent red crystals are rare; rhodochrosite is usually found in an aggregate form with alternating light and dark stripes in zigzag bands, somewhat similar in that respect to malachite or agate. The most common colors are light red and pink and it displays a vitreous luster when polished.
Rhodochrosite was first described in 1813 based on a sample from Romania. It 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.
Rhodochrosite, like lapis lazuli, is almost always cut as cabochons or beads or carved. Rare transparent crystals may be faceted, but they are usually heavily included. Fine, blood-red rhodochrosite mineral specimens are highly desired by collectors, and sometimes command extraordinary prices in the market.
Significant deposits are found in Argentina from localities along the eastern side of the mountains in the west of the country, especially in the province of Catamarca. Other deposits are found in Chile, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, Namibia, Russia, Canada and the USA (Colorado and Montana).
About the Author
GemSelect is a leading online dealer in fine gemstones, specializing in sapphire, spinel, garnet, tourmaline and zircon. Fine Rhodochrosite Gems
「目を閉じてJUMP」 日野晃 山下太郎 20091124
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Q55739 70x31x5 Green Stripes Agate Olivary Pendant Bead $2.99 |
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PURPLE STRIPED AGATE GEMSTONE SOLID COPPER PENDANT 2″ $0.99 |
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Q55332 5Pcs Stripes Agate Pendant Beads $4.99 |
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g44382 53x34x5 Green Stripes Agate Olivary Pendant Bead $3.99 |
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g45706 48x25x7 K-Gold plated Copper Faceted Purple Stripes Agate Pendant Bead $2.99 |
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g44424 5Pcs Stripes Agate Pendant Beads $3.99 |
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g44937 31×14 6Pcs Stripes Agate Square CAB Cabochons $4.99 |
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g44475 40×10 Yellow Green Stripes Agate Round Pendant Bead $3.99 |
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g44656 38×14 Faceted Purple Stripes Agate Column Pendant Bead $2.99 |
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g45733 41x31x5 Yellow Green Stripes Agate Trapezoid Pendant Bead $2.99 |
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g44390 40x41x6 Green Stripes Agate Heart Pendant Bead $3.99 |
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g44395 55x32x6 Green Stripes Agate Trapezoid Pendant Bead $3.99 |
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g45878 44×5 Yellow Green Stripes Agate Round Pendant Bead $3.99 |
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g44363 57x36x6 Green Stripes Agate Oval Pendant Bead $3.99 |
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g45687 46x32x5 Green Stripes Agate Freeform Pendant Bead $2.99 |
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Q55148 53×7 Blue Stripes Agate Round Pendant Bead $2.99 |
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g35573 24x18x4 Blue Stripes Agate Oblong CAB Cabochon $0.99 |
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g35232 49x28x7 Stripes Agate Oval Pendant Bead $3.99 |
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Q55167 57x39x6 Purple Stripes Agate Freeform Pendant Bead $2.99 |
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Q55194 48x26x6 Yellow Stripes Agate Teardrop Pendant Bead $2.99 |
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Colorful 25X40mm Stripe Agate Loose Oval Beads 14″L $5.49 |
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8mm AAA Blue Stripe Agate Round Gemstone Loose Beads 15” $0.99 |
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Q54492 46x28x5 Stripes Agate Teardrop Pendant Bead $5.75 |
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Q54128 41x25x7 Faceted Purple Stripes Agate Freeform CAB Cabochon $0.99 |
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2″ PURPLE STRIPED AGATE GEMSTONE 18K YELLOW GOLD PLATED OVER COPPER PENDANT $0.99 |
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g38378 48x37x6 Green Stripes Agate Freeform Pendant Bead $2.99 |
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g43945 20x15x6 Green Stripes Agate Oval CAB Cabochon $2.99 |
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g43943 30x20x6 Red Stripes Agate Oval CAB Cabochon $2.99 |
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g44375 49x29x6 Green Stripes Agate Teardrop Pendant Bead $3.99 |
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g44461 52×5 Blue Stripes Agate Round Pendant Bead $3.99 |
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g43969 29x21x7 Blue Stripes Agate Oval CAB Cabochon $2.99 |
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g44328 58x41x6 Purple Stripes Agate Freeform Pendant Bead $3.99 |
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g43933 15×5 Black Stripes Agate Round CAB Cabochon $2.99 |
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g44388 46x42x6 Green Stripes Agate Freeform Pendant Bead $3.99 |
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g44741 34x28x14 Blue Stripes Agate Oblong CAB Cabochon $0.99 |
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g38412 60x36x8 Stripes Agate Olivary Pendant Bead $2.99 |
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Q54657 30x20x6 Red Stripes Agate Oval CAB Cabochon $2.99 |
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Q54683 30x22x8 Green Stripes Agate Oval CAB Cabochon $2.99 |
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Q54694 20x15x6 Green Stripes Agate Oval CAB Cabochon $2.99 |