R is for Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate, an abundant mineral, but quality specimens are becoming harder and harder to come by.  The pink is very attractive with mineral collectors and jewelers alike.

Rhodochrosite is often associated with silver mines but the rhodochrosite was discarded on the dumps because it interferes with the smeltering process.  This made the dumps prime collecting area for mineral collectors.

The official mineral of Colorado is rhodochrosite.  This is fitting because the best specimens were found in the Sweet Home Mine in Silverton.

The Inca culture believed that rhodochrosite was the blood of their former rulers.

Argentina produced for many years stalactites that when cut across exposed concentric bands of varying shades of pink.