AA Argentinian rhodochrosite bracelet (6.5-7.5mm balls)

Rhodochrosite is a mineral species with very particular characteristics. In fact, it presents a fairly heterogeneous mixture. The stone is composed mainly of manganese carbonate. It presents numerous inclusions of iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, cobalt and cadmium.

Thus, the color of rhodochrosite ranges from pink to brown, through reddish pink, and even yellow. It has white lines and a vitreous luster. It has a hardness of 3.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, which reveals a certain fragility. For comparison, diamond has the highest hardness, 10 on this same scale, and quartz is 7. This stone must therefore be handled with great care.

The discovery of rhodochrosite took place in Argentina in the 13th century in copper and silver ores. These ores were located in the northwest, in the territory of the Inca Empire. The etymology of its name comes from the ancient Greek rhodon, meaning pink and khroma meaning which has the sense of color.

At the same time, rhodochrosite was also called the Inca rose. The Incas believed that this stone was a symbol of the fossilized blood of their former rulers. After the fall of the Inca Empire, rhodochrosite was forgotten and the mines were abandoned.

Then at the end of the 18th century, it was again identified by Cronstedt Bergman, mineralogist and Kirvan under the name of manganese oxidized by aerial acid. In 1806, René Just Haüy, French mineralogist, gave it the name of manganese oxidized carbonate. In 1813, it received its definitive name by Johann Friedrich Ludwig Hausmann, German mineralogist and geologist.

In the 1930s, rhodochrosite finally became known worldwide thanks to the German national Franz Mansfeld. During a visit to the Museo de la Plata in Buenos Aires, he discovered this fabulous stone and took a sample, which he decided to have polished. He then reported this discovery to the British Museum in London, which confirmed that it was a rare mineral. He then returned to Argentina where he discovered an Inca tomb covered with magnificent rhodochrosite jewelry. He then nicknamed this stone: the Rosa del Inca.

In a few months, he managed to bring back more than a ton of this mineral, which he then went to work in a cutting workshop. In 1932, Franz Mansfeld exhibited his creations and the whole world recognized the incredible beauty of rhodochrosite. Today, rhodochrosite is the official stone of Argentina and that of Colorado in the United States.

Currently, rhodochrosite is used in decoration, in jewelry and in lithotherapy.

The main deposits are located in Argentina, Peru, Brazil, Canada, etc.

Rhodochrosite is known to be a stone of love, compassion, and commiseration. It helps heal deep wounds, such as childhood trauma. It brings up painful feelings and leads to the identification of deep evil. Once this evil is identified, it helps to dissipate and overcome it. Thus, it can heal the evil that is eating away at the person and deliver them. It has the power to bring out buried painful sensations in order to treat them gently. Thanks to its abilities, it is also nicknamed the stone of emotional liberation.

This fabulous mineral is considered the stone of feelings and altruistic impulses. It provokes openness towards others, gives assurance and self-confidence. By opening up towards others, it develops feelings of understanding and empathy. It is also a great help in combating stress and promoting the development of self-esteem.

Rhodochrosite is a stone conducive to meditation and it strengthens energetic and spiritual awareness. This results in a lot of calm, total serenity, a beautiful harmony between body and mind. This stone is also said to have a strong ability to dissolve all forms of negative energies such as anxiety. This stone allows its wearer to overcome certain obstacles in order to achieve their goals.