Rhodochrosite: properties, benefits and virtues

We love rhodochrosite for its deeply meaningful legend, but also for its pretty pink color. Highly prized in jewelry, it can be used to make pretty DIY costume jewelry in a soft, comforting color. It's not for nothing that lithotherapists consider it a soothing stone associated with love. Make your own natural stone jewelry with rhodochrosite beads and jewelry components. Get inspired by our tutorials!

What does rhodochrosite mean?

Rhodochrosite takes its name from the ancient Greek "rhodon" meaning "rose" and "khroma" meaning "color". It can therefore be translated as "rose-colored". This refers to its pretty color.

Where does rhodochrosite come from?

Legend has it that on the shores of Lake Titicaca stood a temple dedicated to Inti, the Inca sun god. One day, Canqui Tupac, a brave and courageous warrior, crossed the sacred lake and entered the temple. There he met the priestess Nusta Ajlla, and they fell instantly in love. This forbidden love forced them to flee. The Inca emperor ordered his men to pursue them relentlessly. The lovers lived in hiding for many years and had many descendants.
When Nustra died, the warrior Canqui Tupac buried his beloved at the foot of a mountain. Mad with grief, he turned to stone. Years later, a shepherd discovered that the stones had turned into a multitude of blood-colored rose petals. The shepherd picked up one of them and took it to the Inca emperor. Upset, he forgave the two lovers. Rhodochrosite was renamed the Rosa del Inca.

It is said that this natural stone was discovered in the 12th century (pre-Columbian era), in copper and silver mines in Argentina. For the Incas, this pink stone had a special cultural and religious significance. They used it for ornamental, ritual and funerary purposes. They cut it to create beads, figurines, pendants, necklaces and clothing ornaments. Archaeologists have found this gemstone in the form of jewelry in some royal and noble Inca tombs.

After the fall of the Inca Empire, this natural stone fell into oblivion. It wasn't until the 18th century that it was rediscovered. The German mineralogist Johann Friedrich Ludwig Hausmann gave it back its original name of rhodochrosite.
In the 1830s, it was brought back into fashion with the exhibition by the German Franz Mansfeld.

Today, this pink stone is the national stone of Argentina and the official stone of the U.S. state of Colorado.

What are rhodochrosite's properties?

This pink stone has a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft. Its density ranges from 3.5 to 3.7 g/cm³.

What color is rhodochrosite?

The color of this gemstone varies from pink to red. It can vary in intensity from pale pink to bright red. It has a vitreous lustre.

Because of its color, it is often confused with rhodonite.

Where to find this pink stone?

The main deposits are found in Argentina, Peru, France, Gabon, South Africa, China, Mexico and the United States.

What are the virtues of rhodochrosite?

Like most pink stones, rhodochrosite is a stone associated with love and compassion. It is also a soothing stone, bringing calm and serenity.
Lithotherapists recommend it for meditation, as it helps to renew energies.
Which chakra does rhodochrosite help? This gemstone balances the solar plexus chakra, combating stress, and the heart chakra, acting on the emotional side.

Please note: our gemstones are not sold for lithotherapy. The effects of stones have not been scientifically proven. Natural stones are no substitute for medical expertise or treatment.

How do I clean and recharge rhodochrosite?

According to lithotherapists, it's important to purify rhodochrosite in order to rid it of the negative energies it has accumulated and recharge it with positive energy so that it regains all its benefits.
To purify it, soak it in a container ofdemineralized waterfor a few hours, or wrap it in sage fumigation.
To recharge it, simply expose it to sunlight for several hours. To reinforce this action, place it on a quartz cluster.

How to wear rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite's soft color complements both gold and silver. Jewelry primers in Stainless Steel or 925 Silver will emphasize its delicate hue, while jewelry primers in Gold filled or Gold Plated will lend it a chic, refined charm.
Which stone to associate with rhodochrosite? According to lithotherapy practitioners, combining rhodochrosite with stones with complementary properties can be interesting. Here are a few examples:

• Jade stone to encourage self-confidence and tranquility,
• Rose quartz to promote harmony,
• Malachite for spiritual and emotional balance,
• Rock crystal to reinforce emotional balance,
• Citrine to reinforce positive attitudes,
• Green aventurine to encourage self-confidence,
• Amethyst to encourage spiritual growth.

What stone not to associate with rhodochrosite?

• Sunstone and pyrite could create an energetic imbalance due to their over-stimulating nature,
• Black obsidian, lava stone,hematite and moonstone because their energy is too different.