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Pyroxenoid

Rhodonite

Pink to red-pink with characteristic black manganese-oxide veining

Pink Red-Pink
Optical properties

Optical characteristics

Ref. index
1.716 – 1.752
Birefringence
0.01 – 0.014
Luster
Vitreous
Pleochroism
Weak Weak trichroism; slightly different shades of pink at different angles.
Fluorescence
Weak red to inert.
Origins

Source localities

Russia Russia: Ural Mountains / Siberia
Significant ★ Top Source

Classic source for alexandrite, demantoid, diamond and nephrite; Ural Mountains produce exceptional rhodonite.

35% est. supply
Australia Australia: New South Wales / Queensland fields
Significant

Commercial sapphire and opal source; also a significant rhodonite producer.

22% est. supply
Madagascar Madagascar: Ilakaka / Andranondambo region
Significant

Modern major source for sapphire, garnet, beryl, quartz, tourmaline and many collector gems.

15% est. supply
United States USA: major gem fields
Commercial

Diverse sources for turquoise, tourmaline, opal, sapphire, topaz, red beryl and rare minerals.

18% est. supply
India India: Rajasthan / Odisha / Karnataka
Commercial

Historic and modern source for garnet, moonstone, corundum and other gems.

10% est. supply
Inclusions

Inclusions & features

Zoning Color Zoning Under 10x loupe in immersion: bands or patches of deeper or lighter color arranged… Crystals Crystal Inclusions Under 10x loupe: solid, well-formed mineral crystals trapped inside the host gem. They may…
Identification

Instruments used

10x Loupe Your most-used instrument, start every examination here Refractometer Measures refractive index, the backbone of gem identification Hydrostatic Scale Measures specific gravity, works even on opaque stones High CRI Penlight Tiny concentrated white spot for field checks, inclusions, fire, and fractures