Collection: Rhodonite

Rhodonite is a magnificent mineral belonging to the silicate group and the pyroxenoid family. Its main components are manganese and silicon, with inclusions of iron, magnesium and calcium. Depending on the elements retained in its composition, rhodonite can have various shades such as gray, brown or pink. This stone may be dark red.

Pink-red in color, it is translucent, rarely transparent. Its shine is glassy, ​​pearly and its cleavage is perfect. Rhodonite forms during the metamorphosis of sedentary manganese ore deposits. This process gives it this beautiful pink color with a natural oxidation of the black veins of manganese dioxide due to heavy rain.

It has a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, which gives it medium hardness. For comparison, diamond has a hardness of 10, the highest hardness on this same scale. This stone is found in the shape of prisms or tablets, arranged in grainy and massive aggregates. This stone is found in metamorphic rocks or in hydrothermal deposits.

Pink stone is formed by a reaction of contact metasomatism, a geological process by which there is a replacement of one mineral by another within the same rock, atom by atom, molecule by molecule. This process thus generates the creation of a new variety of mineral.

In 1820, this stone was first identified by the German chemist and geologist Friedrich August. Its etymology is linked to the color of the stone and comes from the Greek rhodon which means rose. This same root is used for another stone, rhodochrosite, a pale pink stone with white designs. Furthermore, rhodonite belongs to the garnet group, while rhodochrosite is a calcite.

There are no particular legends or myths with rhodonite. During archaeological excavations, amulets or other jewelry made of rhodonite were found, dating from the time of ancient Greece. This stone was said to be used to protect its wearer from attacks by thugs or severe weather.

A symbol of protection and affection, this pink stone was offered to loved ones to express feelings of kindness.

In the 19th century, this stone was greatly admired in Russia. For the record, Tsar Alexander II, Emperor of Russia from 1855 to 1881, became a widower in 1880. He decided to have a tomb entirely carved from an immense 40-ton block of rhodonite built upon the death of his loving wife. She loved the magnificent pink stone. It was the largest block of rhodonite ever found in the world. It took more than 15 years to complete this pink tomb.

Today, rhodonite can be found in museums, palaces, and even in a metro station in St. Petersburg. Vases, basins and columns have been covered with this fabulous stone. Rhodonite was also used in the decoration of buildings. It is currently used in jewelry making and lithotherapy.

The different deposits are located in Madagascar, Brazil, Australia, etc.

In Lithotherapy, rhodonite combines the soothing properties of rose and the protective virtues of its black veins. Thus, it is a stone of protection against negative emotions, such as jealousy, frustration and anger. It keeps away loving relationships that are harmful, too excessive, those that exert too much control.

By repelling these negative energies, rhodonite develops quality communication. It undoes conflicts and unsaid things, especially among siblings. It encourages reconciliation. It allows you to face the ups and downs of life with serenity, strength and kindness.

This stone softens people who are too emotional, nervous, stressed and suffering from unhealthy shyness. It provides open-mindedness, learning to listen to others, compassion and tolerance. Rhodonite helps with forgiveness, first towards oneself, then towards others. It gently leads to processes of understanding and fraternization.

This fabulous mineral also helps overcome blockages and emotional trauma linked to the past. It gives the strength to come to grips with a painful past or a bad experience. It may also be advisable for couples who need to solidify their relationship and build confidence. Furthermore, rhodonite makes you aware that resentment and revenge are not solutions. It encourages forgiveness.

To conclude, rhodonite helps resolve conflicts, heal emotional wounds, communicate constructively and love yourself. It also facilitates forgiveness in general and allows you to turn the page.