On this page
UnderstandWhat it is, what people ask, how far this page goes
Natural inorganic gem materials · Mineral species · Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Rhodonite
A manganese-bearing chain silicate mineral species of variable composition; its GB/T basic name is Rhodonite. This page compares how the major standards and institutions name it, what must be disclosed when selling it, whether it can be worn every day, how it is treated and identified, and which source each conclusion comes from.
Price, rarity and origin are outside the scope of this wiki.
What this page can answer
This page covers
- How Rhodonite forms and what gives its colourFormation setting, process and timescale; where its colour and optical effects come from, each finding graded and sourced
- How to identify RhodoniteHow far lab testing can go and whether a synthetic exists
- Caring for and wearing RhodoniteCleaning, heat, chemicals and light, as the cited sources give them; durability indicators and wearing advice
- Hardness and density of RhodoniteEach value with its source and check date
- Rhodonite in English, Chinese and Japanese; national standard namesNames in four languages, the GB/T standard name and the suggested listing name, names in national standards; and: Which of GIA, FTC, CIBJO and Gem-A have a name for it on record, and do those agree?
- Name origin and history of RhodoniteWhere the name comes from
- Listing and disclosing RhodoniteThe listing name to use; what must be disclosed before sale
- Standard clauses that define RhodoniteWhich clause defines it, each cross-checked
What we cannot conclude
- Whether one particular bead is natural, treated or synthetic — only a laboratory report can settle that.
- Geographic origin, unless an origin report accompanies the item.
- Price, rarity or investment value: this wiki covers naming and disclosure only.
Material research: formation, causes and history
What authoritative sources say about how this material forms, what causes its colour and optical effects, where its name comes from and how people have used it. Each statement carries an evidence grade and its sources; it describes the material in general, not any specific piece.
How it forms
Rhodonite is a manganese-bearing chain silicate of variable composition, ideally (Mn2+;Fe2+;Mg;Ca)SiO3. It occurs in deposits that carry manganese and that formed through hydrothermal activity, through contact or regional metamorphism, or through sedimentary processes; the mineral is usually massive and rose-pink to brownish-red, its exterior often blackened by manganese oxides. Its name comes from the Greek word for rose, a nod to this colour.
Scope: Covers the origin, occurrence and variable composition of rhodonite as a manganese-bearing chain silicate mineral; does not address synthetic material or specific trade variety names.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Where it forms
Deposits carrying manganese, their origins spanning sedimentary, hydrothermal, contact-metamorphic and regional-metamorphic processes
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Associated with calcite, willemite, franklinite, tephroite, magnetite, and others
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
How it forms, step by step
In manganese-bearing sedimentary or hydrothermal settings, manganese components are first enriched, providing the material basis for rhodonite formation.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Through contact or regional metamorphism, manganese combines with silicon and oxygen to form rhodonite, a chain silicate.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Crystal growth commonly produces massive or cleavable, compact aggregates; in metamorphosed manganese deposits it is associated with calcite, willemite, and others.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Link to appearance
Rhodonite’s hues run from rose-pink through brownish red, gray and yellow, with vitreous lustre and slightly pearly cleavages; manganese oxide coatings commonly blacken its exterior, and the colour gave the mineral its name (Greek for rose).
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Timescale
The source does not state a timescale or absolute age for rhodonite formation.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Supporting findings
Rhodonite is found in deposits that carry manganese and that originated through hydrothermal activity, through contact or regional metamorphism, or through sedimentary processes.
Evidence grade BScope: Applies to natural rhodonite occurrences and environments; excludes synthetic material.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Recorded localities
Authoritative sources list the localities below; the list is not exhaustive.
Europe
- Yekaterinburg area, Ural Mountains, Russia
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Near Persberg, Värmland, Sweden
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
North America
- Franklin, Sussex County, New Jersey, United States
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · Mindat: Rhodonite Group
South America
- Conselheiro Lafaiete, Minas Gerais, BrazilHoM notes gem crystals
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Chiurucu, Huallanca, Ancash, Peru
Sources Mindat: Rhodonite Group
Oceania
- Broken Hill, New South Wales, AustraliaHoM notes gem crystals
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · Mindat: Rhodonite Group
These are localities recorded by authoritative sources, not an origin finding for any individual piece. The CIBJO Gemstone Book (2022, §4.2.3) says a place of origin names where a gem was mined or harvested, is a matter of opinion, does not imply a level of quality, and that cutting, processing or exporting centres must not be used to imply origin. See how far testing can go on this page, the origin determination guide and the overview of recorded localities.
Causes of colour and optical effects
Rhodonite ranges from rose-pink through brownish red, gray and yellow, its outer surfaces usually blackened by manganese oxide coatings.
Evidence grade BScope: The black exterior is specifically attributed to manganese-oxide coatings; the source does not elaborate the mechanism of the rose-red body color itself.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Where the name comes from
Rhodonite bears a Greek name alluding to the rose-pink hue of the mineral.
Evidence grade BScope: This states only the origin of the name and does not establish the material's composition, locality, natural origin, or whether it was treated.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Other research findings
Rhodonite has the ideal formula (Mn2+;Fe2+;Mg;Ca)SiO3 and is a manganese-bearing chain silicate; its composition is variable, with a reported analysis corresponding to (Mn0.93Ca0.05Fe0.02Mg0.02)Σ=1.02(Si0.99Al0.01)Σ=1.00O3, i.e. the Mn site can be substituted by Ca, Fe, Mg, and others.
Evidence grade BScope: The variable formula applies to the rhodonite solid-solution range; specific Mn/Fe/Mg/Ca proportions vary by locality and sample and are not a single fixed composition.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
The mineral’s name comes from the Greek word for rose, inspired by its colour.
Evidence grade BScope: Concerns name etymology; not a genetic or identification criterion.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Under the CIBJO definition, only materials formed completely by nature without human intervention qualify as 'natural'; rhodonite, as a natural mineral species, satisfies this identity boundary.
Evidence grade AScope: Defines its status as a natural material; does not assess locality or quality grade.
Sources CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Limits of this research
- Research status: Formation, occurrence or other material-specific findings found in authoritative sources
- The source does not state a timescale or absolute age for rhodonite formation.
- Rhodonite's variable composition means Mn/Fe/Mg/Ca proportions differ by locality; the source gives only a single analysis, not the full range.
- The specific coloring mechanism of the rose-red body color is not elaborated; the source only attributes the black exterior to manganese oxides.
Methodology
- Origin determination and its limits
- Quality grading and value factors
- How gemmology became a technical discipline
Evidence grades
- A
- Standards bodies, government geological surveys, peer-reviewed research and museum records
- B
- Institutional educational material
- C
- Specialist databases or cautious readings
A statement is never graded above its strongest source.
This section is LumaLark's own factual restatement of public authoritative sources, credited item by item; it contains no verbatim excerpts, images or third-party logos.
DecideListing name, disclosure, care and treatments
- Suggested listing name
- Rhodonite
GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2 “Rhodonite” · CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 §7.2.1.197 “Rhodonite”
Construction or treatment status
Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Related:Disclosure and cautions
This page cannot answer
Natural? · Origin · Price
A lab report settles these; this wiki covers naming and disclosure.
Related:What this page can answer
Answer at a glance
Rhodonite is Rhodonite, Mn-bearing chain silicate; composition variable; use "Rhodonite" for listings, and disclose any known treatments.
What this means for you
Before buying, check the recommended listing name "Rhodonite" and any disclosed treatments on this page, and ask the seller for a grading report if in doubt.
Known uncertainty
- Last reviewed
- 2026-09-01
Care and wear
Normal care for every gemstone (CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.1), in brief:
- Handle it gently.
- Store pieces apart when not worn, so they cannot scratch each other.
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
- Use ultrasonic cleaners only with caution.
The §6.1 wording and the full list of §6.2 special-care letters cited on this page are on the general gem care page.
Care
Rhodonite — care (wear): low hardness, so it scratches easily; wear with care; cleaves or fractures easily or is brittle (e.g. rubbed facet edges); wear with care.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code a, special-care code b
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Rhodonite, p.74; §6.2 a, b (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Rhodonite — care (special care): dyed to even out colour: special care (SC); avoid chemicals and ultrasonic cleaning.
AGTA Gemstone Information Manual, 17th ed.
- Treatment state
- treated
- Only after these treatments
- dyeing
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- AGTA Gemstone Information Manual, 17th edition (August 2026) (AGTA): p.XIII, Gemstone Information Chart, Rhodonite D, CARE REQUIRED / SPECIAL ADVICE (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Common care questions and matching entries
WearCare and wear of Rhodonite: the care (wear) findings registered for Rhodonite from the CIBJO Blue Book (Official Gemstone Book, 2022) apply to any treatment state: Rhodonite is soft and scratches easily, so it should be worn with care, and it also breaks easily, so it should be worn with care. Special careThe finding registered from the AGTA (American Gem Trade Association) Gemstone Information Manual applies to treated material, specifically dyed material: Rhodonite dyed to even out its colour needs special care (marked SC) and should be kept away from chemicals and ultrasonic cleaning.
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| Question | Matching entries |
|---|---|
| Wearing limits (knocks, settings) | low hardness, so it scratches easily; wear with care; cleaves or fractures easily or is brittle (e.g. rubbed facet edges); wear with care |
Care entries by treatment state
The same entries grouped by the treatment state each applies to; each links to its full wording and source. Letters are CIBJO special-care codes, explained on the gemstone care page.
any treatment state
treated (Only after these treatments: dyeing)
Durability and wearing
VerifyNames, standards, technical facts, clauses and sources
Names
Standard and listing namesThe GB/T 16552—2017 formal name for Rhodonite is given in Table A.2, and the suggested listing name is Rhodonite; the mineralogical name is Rhodonite, a manganese-bearing chain silicate of variable composition. Names in four languagesNames are given in Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English (Rhodonite) and Japanese, and the GSJ (Japan) formal name is the same Japanese name; Germany (RAL) uses Rhodonit and the European Union uses Rhodonite. Institution usageOn authority wording, CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 lists Rhodonite; the FTC text contains no wording for Rhodonite (checked); GIA and Gem-A are unchecked, and bodies without a recorded wording show the entry's own English name, which does not represent the position of those bodies.
- GSJ (Japan) formal name
- ロードナイト／バラ輝石
- Chinese formal name
- 蔷薇辉石 (GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2)
- Mineralogical name
- Rhodonite, Mn-bearing chain silicate; composition variable
Four-language names
- 简体中文
- 蔷薇辉石
- 繁體中文
- 薔薇輝石
- English
- Rhodonite
- 日本語
- ロードナイト／バラ輝石
National and regional formal names
- Germany (RAL)
- Rhodonit
- European Union
- Rhodonite
See also: Misleading and prohibited trade names · Supplementary name index
Classification
- Origin
- Natural materials
- Material domain
- Natural inorganic gem materials
- Browsing family
- Other silicate minerals
- Identity tier
- Mineral species
- Mineral chemical class
- Silicates
- Construction or treatment status
- Natural identity; treatment status unknown
What it is and how it's identified
Registered material facts for Rhodonite: the composition is rhodonite; the overall structure is crystalline or a crystalline aggregate, in the triclinic system, with a habit of thick tabular crystals (rare) and commonly granular or compact massive aggregates; Mohs hardness is 5.5–6.5, and this site notes that hardness alone is not enough to judge durability; cleavage is perfect in two directions in crystals and usually not visible in aggregates. Density is 3.3–3.76 g/cm³; this site notes that the density range is derived from the cited clause's value of 3.50 with a tolerance of +0.26/−0.20, and that the clause has finer sub-ranges of which the overall value is taken. Optical character is anisotropic, biaxial negative or positive, commonly an anisotropic aggregate; birefringence is 0.011–0.014, and this site notes that the clause has finer sub-ranges of which the overall value is taken; transparency is translucent to opaque, with transparent pink to red material rare; in the untreated state, lustre is vitreous. The UV-visible spectrum shows a broad absorption band at 545nm and an absorption peak at 503nm.
Registered material facts
Each row carries its own source and check date and can be cited on its own; “—” means the cited source gives no value, not “none”.
Definition
Rhodonite — nomenclature status: IMA status A: approved (accepted by the IMA after it was set up in 1958).
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Rhodonite — composition (phase): rhodonite
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Structure
Rhodonite — structure (overall): crystalline, or else a crystalline aggregate
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.11 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Rhodonite — structure (crystal system): triclinic
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.11 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Rhodonite — structure (crystal habit): Thick plates occur rarely; mostly granular or compact massive aggregates.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.11 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Durability
Rhodonite — Mohs hardness: 5.5–6.5
GB/T 16553—2017
Reference points on this site: Talc 1–3, Fluorite 4, Apatite 5–5.5, Orthoclase 6–6.5, Topaz 8, Diamond 10 (Source: GB/T 16553—2017); Gypsum 1.5–2, Calcite 3, Quartz 7 (Source: Handbook of Mineralogy); Corundum 9 (Source: GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide))
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- General note
- hardness only, not durability
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.11 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Rhodonite — cleavage: Rhodonite crystals cleave perfectly in two directions; aggregates usually do not.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.11 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Physical properties
Rhodonite — density: 3.3–3.76 g/cm³
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
The clause we cite gives 3.50, with a stated tolerance of +0.26 / -0.20. The range shown here is worked out from that.
- General note
- the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.11 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Optical
Rhodonite — optic character: biaxial with either optic sign (anisotropic); usually an anisotropic aggregate.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.11 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Rhodonite — birefringence: 0.011–0.014
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- General note
- the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.11 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Rhodonite — transparency: translucent to opaque; rarely transparent pink to red.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Rhodonite — pleochroism: not measurable on an aggregate
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.11 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Rhodonite — fluorescence (overall): none
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.11 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Rhodonite — spectrum (UV-visible): 545 nm broad absorption band; 503 nm absorption peak.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.11 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Rhodonite — spectrum (infrared): Rhodonite's own diagnostic absorption bands appear in the mid-IR
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.11 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Rhodonite — magnification: granular structure, mineral inclusions
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.11 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
body colour2 sources compared
Rhodonite — body colour: light red, pink, purplish red, brownish red and similar colours, commonly with black spots or veins, and sometimes with green or yellow patches.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
In chapter 5 of GB/T 16553—2017, the colour entries of Rock Crystal, Apatite, Dushan Yu / Dushan Jade and other variety clauses also name red or a reddish colour.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.11 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Rhodonite — body colour: Pink to purplish red, often with black veins and splotches.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Qualification
In chapter 7 of the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book, the colour descriptions of Ruby, Sugilite, Colour-Change Garnet and other entries also name pink or a pinkish colour.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
How the sources relate
- GB/T 16553—2017 and CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Both list pink to purplish red and note frequent black veins and spots. GB/T 16553—2017 also lists light red and brownish red, and green or yellow spots that sometimes occur.
Quality factors
Rhodonite — quality factor (lustre): vitreous
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.11 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Testing and market
The tests the CIBJO laboratory protocol requires for this material, and what each method means, are in the protocol table on the laboratory testing page: §6.1.67.
How far testing can go
Rhodonite — synthetic counterpart on the market: No synthetic counterpart of this material is commercially available
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Clause-level definitions
Rhodonite has a direct definition in the Rhodonite entry of the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024: a translucent to opaque material in pink to purplish red, frequently marked by black veins and splotches, with rare transparent examples in pink to red; the cross-check shows it is defined directly by CIBJO and also appears in the GB/T annex. Rhodonite also has an IMA Mineral List entry under the term Rhodonite, recorded as Rhodonite CaMn3Mn(Si5O15) Rd 2019, cross-checked against the RRUFF/IMA master mineral list; the data are in the public domain.
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| Term | Clause | Definition | Cross-check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhodonite | 7.2.1.197 | Pink to purplish red, often with black veins and splotches, translucent to opaque; rarely transparent pink to red | Defined directly by CIBJO; also present in the GB/T annex. |
| Rhodonite | IMA Mineral List entry | Rhodonite CaMn3Mn(Si5O15) Rd 2019 | Cross-checked against the RRUFF/IMA master mineral list (public domain data). |
Evidence and sources
Authority basis and clause sources
Sources
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. Gemmological Laboratories Book (Blue Book), Gemmological Commission 2024-1.
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. The Gemstone Book (Blue Book), 2022.
- SAMR / SAC (China). GB/T 16552—2017 Gems — Nomenclature.
- Geological Survey of Japan, AIST (Japan). Museum mineral specimens, browse by classification.
- RRUFF Project, in partnership with the IMA – International Mineralogical Association. IMA Mineral List.
Further reading
Related entries and topic cluster
Parent entry and related pages on this site. Rows marked “Planned” are suggested new content and have no link yet.
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| Page | Content | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing family | Other silicate minerals | Live |
| Related articles | To be added (placeholder) | Planned |
Who maintains this page
The material facts in the Rhodonite entry are maintained by the LumaLark wiki and matched one by one to the standard clauses or institutional sources they cite: every fact carries its source (with a clause or page locator) and a check date, so it can be traced back to the original; clause-level definitions also carry a cross-check result. The entry exists so that buyers and sellers can check naming, disclosure and material facts item by item.