Massachusetts State Gem

Rhodonite

((Mn++,Fe++,Mg,Ca)SiO3 )

Adopted in 1979.

Rhodonite is the most beautiful gem material found in the state. It varies in hue from a light pink to a deep rose or reddish pink and is associated with black manganese. It was adopted in 1979.

Much rhodonite is found on Vancouver Island, Canada, and the Ural Mountains of the former Russia. Other significant sources include Brazil, Australia, Mexico, South Africa, Madagascar, Sweden & the United States. One domestic source for rhodonite is the state of Massachusetts.

Rhodonite is a pink to red colored gem that contains black veins of manganese oxide. This unusual combination of pink and black make rhodonite quite easy to distinguish from other gems.

Because of its' black veins, rhodonite was once thought to be pink turquoise. This turned out to be totally inaccurate.

Rhodonite is most commonly found in an opaque form cut en cabochon. It is also sometimes found in lovely beads of pink and red.

Although some rhodonite has been found in its crystal form, this variety is quite rare and seldom (if ever) seen at retail.