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State Gemstone or Gems
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Massachusetts Symbols
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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.
General
Silicates Information
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| Chemical Formula |
(Mn++,Fe++,Mg,Ca)SiO3 |
| Composition |
Molecular Weight = 129.13 gm |
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Calcium 1.55 % Ca
2.17 % CaO |
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Magnesium 0.38 % Mg 0.62 % MgO |
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Manganese 38.29 % Mn 49.44 % MnO |
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Iron
0.86 % Fe 1.11 % FeO |
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Silicon
21.75 % Si 46.53 % SiO2 |
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Oxygen 37.17 % O |
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100.00 % 99.88 % = TOTAL OXIDE |
| Empirical Formula |
Mn2+0.9Fe2+0.02Mg0.02Ca0.05SiO3 |
| Environment |
Hydrothermal, metamorphic and, metasomatic rocks. |
| IMA Status |
Valid Species (Pre-IMA) 1819 |
| Locality |
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. |
| Name Origin |
From the Greek rhodos - "rose colored." |
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State Gemstone or Gems
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State symbols represent things that are special
to a particular state. One of these symbols is the State Gem. Of the 50 states, 19 have
adopted a state gemstone and all have adopted some sort of earth symbol.
gem·stone (jem′stōn′)
n.
A gemstone formed in nature, with no assistance from humans that may be used as a jewel when
cut and polished. |
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