triclinic Inosilicates
Rhodonite
(Mn,Fe,Mg,Ca)SiO3
Quick Facts
Hardness
5.5
Specific Gravity
3.4
Refractive Index
1.711
Optical Character
Biaxial +
Crystal Structure
#! Species: Rhodonite
#! System: Triclinic (-1)
#! Habit: Tabular to prismatic, pink with black manganese oxide veins
triclinic[-1]:{110}@1.0 + {010}@0.8 + {001}@0.6
triclinic
-1
{110} {010} {001}
Physical Properties
Crystal Systemtriclinic
Hardness (Mohs)5.5
Specific Gravity3.4
CleavagePerfect prismatic {110}, nearly 90 degrees
FractureConchoidal to uneven
LustreVitreous to pearly
Optical Properties
Refractive Index1.711
Birefringence0.011-0.014
Optical CharacterBiaxial +
Dispersion0.01
PleochroismWeak (yellowish-red, pinkish-red, pale yellowish-red)
Colours
Rose redPinkBrownish-red (oxidized)
Localities
Australia (New South Wales)Russia (Ural Mountains)PeruSwedenUSA (Massachusetts - state gem)Brazil
Common Inclusions
Black manganese oxide veinsColour zoningFracture networks
Crystal Forms
prismpinacoid
Notes
Rose-red colour from Mn2+; black veining from manganese oxide alteration; official gem of Massachusetts
Interactive Preview
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Open in Playground #! Species: Rhodonite
#! System: Triclinic (-1)
#! Habit: Tabular to prismatic, pink with black manganese oxide veins
triclinic[-1]:{110}@1.0 + {010}@0.8 + {001}@0.6
Related Minerals
Other minerals in the triclinic system
