Rhodonite cut sculptures from Madagascar.

The mineral rhodonite is a manganese-iron-magnesium-calcium silicate with the chemical formula (Mn2+,Fe2+,Mg,Ca)SiO3. The mineral belongs to the inosilicates. The name of the mineral rhodonite is derived from the Greek rhodon, which means "pink". It has a red base colour with black dendrite-like inclusions of manganese (IV) oxide. Transparent varieties are very rare. Traditionally, rhodonite has been attributed magical powers. It was used to make ornaments, vases and sarcophagi. In the 16th century, rhodonite was considered a stone of happiness and cheerfulness, it cheered the heart, strengthened the mind, strengthened the sense of honour and improved memory. Rhodonite is found in Alaska, Canada, Brazil (Ouro Preto and Minas Gerais) and Mexico. Very beautiful crystals come from Peru (Huanzala). In Australia, transparent crystals up to 10 cm in size are found at Broken Hill, which form the raw material for faceted stones and weigh only a single carat. Other occurrences are in Japan (Honshu), Indonesia and India. Tanzania (Mwembe), Madagascar, South Africa and Algeria yield beautiful red crystals. Very important deposits in Russia have been mined since the 18th century. Well-known are the deposits in the Urals, where rhodonite crystals weighing 40 tons occur. Smaller deposits can be found in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and the Ukraine. In very small numbers, rhodonite gemstones also occur in Sweden (Pajsberg and Langban), Spain, to some extent in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Romania and France. Ornamental objects made of rhodonite are now the pride of numerous museums and treasuries.