Rhodochrosite: The Inca Rose Gemstone  Rhodochrosite is easily
suitable for high quality jewelry when properly polished or cut.
Unfortunately usually when you see this mineral for sale it’s as
cheap rhodochrosite beads, though this has been changing
somewhat in recent years.  If you are looking for a good looking
gemstone to make beads or to buy a new necklace, rhodochrosite
is an excellent choice.  I would leave the rhodochrosite
crystals to mineral and gem collectors however and take a look
at kunzite or morganite instead. As they are both more abundant
and usually far cheaper.  What is Rhodochrosite?Rhodochrosite
Rhodochrosite is a carbonate mineral that is usually found in a
color between pink and red, though other colors like yellow or
brown are possible if the crystal is ‘contaminated’.  The red or
pink color is caused by the presence of manganese in the
mineral. The name rhodochrosite is derived from the Greek for
rose-colored.  It is quite rare in a crystal form and usually it
is found along with ca