Let's learn about Rhodonite crystal meanings, from its geological facts to its crystal healing properties.
Rhodonite is a stone focused on self-love. Its pink tones soothe your worries, ease your anger, and release your grudges. Embrace this lovely stone and learn how it can benefit your life by watching the video and discovering the details in this article.
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Watch the Rhodonite Video
Click to watch the Rhodonite YouTube video. In this video, we will also go over Rhodonite meanings and show you examples of this crystal.
This is a part of our A-Z Satin Crystals Meanings video playlist, where we answer your top 5 questions on all of the most popular crystals. Feel free to comment directly on the video with your questions and experiences.
What are the benefits of Rhodonite?
You may benefit from Rhodonite crystals if you can relate to any of the following:
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You want to boost your self-esteem
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You are looking to balance your Heart chakra
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You want an active social circle
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You want to be able to easily forgive
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You want to accept yourself and others as they are
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You are ready to let go of emotional baggage
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You want to shed your introverted ways
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You seek a stone focused on self-care
Find your perfect pieces in the Satin Crystals Rhodonite collection.
What is Rhodonite?
Rhodonite varies from pale to bold pink with black Manganese Oxide mineral inclusions. The Manganese is what gives Rhodonite its pink color, but when it oxidizes (hits oxygen), it also gives it its brown and black inclusions.
Rhodonite is usually found in chunks but can be found in translucent crystal formation on rare occassions. It is often found with Pyrite, Quartz, Jasper, and Garnet.
Where does Rhodonite get its name?
Rhodonite gets its name from the Ancient Greek word rhódon meaning rose. It was named by German mineralogist Christoph Freidrich Jasche in 1918.
What is another name for Rhodonite?
Another name for Rhodonite is Manganese Gravel or Fowlerite.
Here are some of the different types and trade names of Rhodonite:
Black Rhodonite is a variety of stone that has fully oxidized and looks all dark.
Dendritic Rhodonite is the most common one in the gemstone market. It is a hearty pink color with black dendrite-like veins and landscape inclusions.
Fowlerite is the zinc-bearing variety of Rhodonite with small amounts of lead. It is a brownish-red.
Pajsbergite is a Rhodonite from the Harstigen Mine in Pajsbergat, Sweden.
Pepto Bismol, Bubble Gum Pink, or Peruvian Rhodonite refers to a light pink Rhodonite from Peru which shows white bands like Rhodochrosite.
Nzuri Moyo, or Sacred Heart, is the tradename for a Namibian stone showing pink Rhodonite and Clinozoisite and green Epidote.
Snowflake Rhodonite is mostly black with pale pink splotches.
Yellow Rhodonite has a yellow to brownish tint.
What is the Rhodonite stone good for?
Rhodonite is good for love, friendship, and self-acceptance. This pink gem vibrates with your Heart chakra, balancing it for healthy relationships with yourself and others.
Besides loving energies, here are a few other metaphysical properties of Rhodonite:
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Rhodonite is used to enable forgiveness
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Rhodonite is about positive thoughts
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Rhodonite is for personal empowerment
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Rhodonite aids in sound healing
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Rhodonite helps introverts come out of their shells
How do I use Rhodonite in healing?
There are many ways you can use Rhodonite in crystal healing. Here are a few ways to get you started. Know more? Share them with the Satin Crystals community!
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Gift Rhodonite hearts as a symbol of love and friendship
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Wear Rhodonite bracelets on your dominant hand to release emotional wounds from the Heart chakra
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Create a crystal layout with Rhodonite stones to release stale energies like blockages caused by grudges and infuse your aura with forgiveness
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Meditate with Rhodonite spheres to create a loving bubble around your astral bodies
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Drink Rhodonite gem elixirs to clear out toxic feelings
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Decorate your dinner table or living room with Rhodonite figurines for a vibrant atmosphere
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Wear Rhodonite jewelry to combat social anxiety
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Have a Rhodonite pyramid on your desk when you journal and place it on top of the journal when done
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Hold Rhodonite eggs while chanting your positive affirmation mantras to invoke social success and balanced love
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Rub Rhodonite worry stones when you are feeling anxious
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Wear Rhodonite pendants over your heart to balance your Heart chakra
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Charge crystals on a Rhodonite plate to infuse them with loving energies
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Place Rhodonite over your heart during sound baths or sound healing sessions
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Program Rhodonite stones for your loving intention and place them somewhere visible, like a computer desk, throughout the day to focus on your goals
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Use a tuning fork to vibrate the energy into your body through a Rhodonite slab
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Wear Rhodonite earrings to balance the left and right sides of your brain
How do you know if Rhodonite is real or fake?
To determine if your Rhodonite is real or fake, make your purchase from a knowledgeable and trusted vendor. Luckily, most real Rhodonite is not treated or dyed. However, you may find vendors passing off other materials like polymer clay, glass, or resin dyed to look like Rhodonite as a real gemstone, so the more you know, the better!
Scientists do create Synthetic Rhodonite for different research purposes and some of this has leaked into the gemstone market. If you search for "Synthetic Rhodonite" online, you may come across some listings that look very similar to the real thing.
These synthetics are usually the common opaque pink and black version of the stone rather than the high-end translucent pinks. It is not clear if they are laboratory recreations or if they are other materials being passed off as Rhodonite.
Some vendors pass off pressed Rhodonite as the real thing. This can be scraps of Rhodonite, sometimes dyed, pressed into Quartz, or other material. They could also be mislabeling, naively or deceptively, other stones such as Rhodonite.
Here are some tips you can employ at home to tell Fake vs Real Rhodonite.
How to tell the difference between Rhodonite and Rhodochrosite?
To tell the difference between Rhodonite and Rhodochrosite, follow these tips. The two stones can be confused because of their pink tones and veined exterior. They are both colored pink by Manganese but Rhodonite is a silicate and Rhodochrosite is a carbonate. They both have similar specific gravity weights and can often be found occurring together.
Here are some ways to tell Rhodonite and Rhodochrosite apart:
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Rhodonite may have black veins whereas Rhodochrosite has white or gray veins. This is true for the majority of cases, but not all!
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Rhodonite may have random veins, but Rhodochrosite shows more consistent layers and bands.
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Rhodonite is a 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness while Rhodochrosite is softer at 3.5-4. Rhodonite will easily scratch Rhodochrosite. Rhodonite will scratch Apatite (a 5 on the scale) while Rhodochrosite will not. Polished versions of these stones may not scratch as easily as rough ones.
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Rhodonite will not react in hydrochloric acid whereas Rhodochrosite, being a carbonate, will react. You will see small bubbles fizzing off the Rhodochrosite in warmed hydrochloric acid. This is a destructive test and you must have proper protective gear when performing it.
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Rhodonite may have chatoyancy while Rhodochrosite is never chatoyant.
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Rhodonite's manganese oxidization can make the whole stone look black whereas Rhodochrosite's oxidization from iron inclusions makes the stone look darker pink.
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Rhodonite will display weak birefringence while Rhodochrosite will have high birefringence. This test must be done through a pair of polarizing filters and will give you double images when you rotate the filters if birefringence exists.
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Rhodonite is usually less expensive than Rhodochrosite.
The translucent, deep-colored Rhodonite and Rhodochrosites can be the hardest to tell in terms of outward appearance. You will have to go deeper and use more scientific tests to determine what stone you have.
What is the difference between Rhodolite and Rhodonite?
The difference between Rhodolite and Rhodonite is that Rhodolite is a Garnet and Rhodonite is a Pyroxenoid. Rhodolite shows rosy, raspberry-pink to purplish-red hues that can be similar to darker translucent Rhodonites. Rhodolite's high iron content can make it magnetic like Rhodonite.
Here are ways to tell Rhodolite and Rhodonite apart:
Rhodonite can also be confused with Rosolite Garnet, which has a pinker hue than Rhodolite. Learn more in Garnet Stone Meaning.
What is Rhodonite confused with?
Rhodonite is often confused with different gemstones or faux stones being sold as the real thing. Here are a few we found in the crystal market. Do you know of others? Share them with the Satin Crystals community and let's remain educated!
Bustamite is a different mineral species than Rhodonite but is sometimes labeled as calcium-rich Rhodonite. It is usually a lighter pink color than Rhodonite and has a lower refractive index.
Pink Wood Jasper is a pink laced with yellow and tan inclusions that is often falsely sold as Haitian Flower Rhodonite or Rhodochrosite.
Pink Coral may have a similar pink to Rhodonite but often leans toward more of an orange tone.
Pink Feldspar is usually lighter pink and lacks the black veins.
Pink Opal shares soft pink tones with Rhodonite but rarely has any banding.
Pyroxmangite is indistinguishable from Rhodonite without complex tests. Its birefringence index is different though.
Rhodochrosite is easily distinguished from Rhodonite by its hardness and effervescence (see below to tell the difference between these two stones).
Sakura Rhodonite, Sakura Rain Rhodonite, or Ice Rhodonite, is pink Rhodonite suspended in clear Quartz. Beware when buying as much of this material is fake or dyed.
Thulite which is usually not associated with black manganese oxides. It is an opaque, pink variety of Zoisite found in Norway and can be distinguished by its streaks or spots of white Quartz.
Is Rhodonite magnetic?
Rhodonite may be magnetic depending on its composition. The more iron, aluminum, copper, or antimony, the more magnetic the piece will be.
Sometimes the black in Rhodonite is not Manganese Oxide but Magnetite, a magnetic mineral, making the whole stone more magnetic.
How do you care for your Rhodonite?
To care for your Rhodonite, you can clean it with running water. Polished pieces are usually safe in a water bath, but take care of rough pieces or pieces with visible fracture lines. These may have weak spots that can wear down in prolonged water soaks.
When in doubt, just use a soft cloth or soft brush depending on your piece. Either way, make sure your stone is completely dry before storage.
Store them away from items harder than a 6 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness to avoid scratches. If your environment has high humidity, consider using a dehumidifier.
Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners so you don't break your Rhodonite. If using soap, make sure it is thoroughly rinsed to avoid build-up.
Rhodonite's color is stable, so it can be charged in sunlight. Do note that prolonged direct sunlight could affect your stone after a while.
If you are looking for more tips on how to cleanse, charge, and program your stones metaphysically, check out the Crystal Care page.
Sheila's personal experience with Rhodonite
Rhodonite seemed like the "Poor Man's Rhodochrosite" to me when I first encountered the stone. It was less coveted, duller in pink, and filled with dark veins. Of course, I refer to the most common Rhodonites we see in the crystal market rather than the high-end crystals that are rarely seen!
As I researched and learned more about the crystal, I found Rhodonite has its own charm. Whereas Rhodochrosite may be prized for its rarity and color, Rhodonite is the stone for the everyday person.
I especially enjoy Rhodonite's focus on friendships. Friendships are very important in my life and if you know me, you know I love to socialize, reaching out to old and new friends alike.
I came to realize that Rhodonite may be taken for granted, but its quiet strength brings group harmony, fosters community, and boosts self-love. These are all things that I value. These are the important aspects of life.
Where would we be without Rhodonite's primary energies?
Lisa's personal experience with Rhodonite
I find Rhodonite to be interesting in color, pattern, and energy. While it is a stone of love, I especially associate this pink gemstone with friendship. When I want to show appreciation to my besties, I gift them with Rhodonite jewelry or healing crystals. There are also times when I feel socially isolated and want to make new friends. I turn to Rhodonite spheres and shapes while doing positive affirmations. Then, I wear it in jewelry form like bracelets and pendants to attract the right people to my social circles.
Recently, I discovered that Rhodonite combats being judgemental or critical. I am going to begin working with Rhodonite for these purposes next.
Aesthetically, I am attracted most to Rhodonite with very nice black landscape patterns. The occasional piece that has bold orange Garnet flares really wows my heart. As a lover of the color pink, I truly appreciate Rhodonite healing crystals.
What are Rhodonite's mineral facts?
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Chemical Formula: (Mn, Fe, Mg, Ca)SiO3
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Mohs Scale of Hardness: 5.5-6.5 (the Manganese Oxide inclusions may have a different hardness than the Rhodonite)
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Surface Color: Pink, Red, Gray, Yellow
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Streak Color (can vary from surface color, this is the color of the crystals’ powdered minerals): White
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Group: Pyroxenoid
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Cleavage (where the crystal breaks off naturally to form a new face, parallel to its structure. This is a clean break and can cleave over and over again along the same face, retaining the crystal's structure): Perfect to Good
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Fracture (where the crystal breaks randomly not on a cleavage): Conchoidal to Uneven
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Luster: Vitreous to Pearly
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Transparency: Transparent to Opaque
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Crystal System: Triclinic
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Crystal Habit: Tabular, Massive, Granular
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Specific Gravity: 3.4-3.7
How does Rhodonite form?
Rhodonite forms when silica-rich fluid mixes with Manganese deposits. The hot fluid interacts with heat and pressure through fractures in the rocks collecting all the minerals needed to create Rhodonite.
When mining for Rhodonite, you will most likely first spot the black Manganese, or Pyrolusite, rind which has been oxidized on the Earth's surface. Chipping into the rock will reveal if you have any pink Rhodonite within or not.
Does Rhodonite always have black in it?
Rhodonite does not always have black in it. The black is usually caused by Manganese Oxide, but some pieces may be free of these inclusions. These gemmy Rhodonite pieces are hard to come by and go for a high price when found.
Where should you put Rhodonite?
Rhodonite should be placed anywhere you want to create an inviting, social environment. If you are having a living room hangout, place Rhodonite on the shelves, mantel, or coffee table. If you are having a garden gathering, hang Rhodonite from the trees. If you are throwing a dinner party, use Rhodonite as a centerpiece.
For Feng Shui energy, place Rhodonite in the "Marriage & Relationships" top right corner of your space to foster positive relationships.
For more on placing crystals, visit How to Clear & Fill the Home with Crystals.
Is Rhodonite jewelry good to wear?
Transparent Rhodonite is one of the hardest gemstones to cut because of its perfect cleavage, making it delicate on the fracture lines. However, the massive chunks of Rhodonite are easy to polish into all kinds of jewelry, figurines, and beads. They still must be worked with carefully because of their relatively low hardness and cleavage fractures.
Besides the high-end Rhodonite crystals, the pink with distinct black tree-like veins is coveted among jewelry lovers.
Is Rhodonite safe to wear?
Rhodonite is safe to wear. There is a low toxicity level, only a concern when working with the stone extensively in lapidary work.
Should you wear Rhodonite on your left or right hand?
At Satin Crystals, we believe that as long as the crystal is in your aura, it will be providing you with positive benefits. That being said, some people like to wear jewelry according to their dominant vs non-dominant hands. Read more about the different energies this provides in the Ultimate Bracelet Guide.
What does broken Rhodonite mean?
If you want to know the meaning of broken Rhodonite, visit Broken Crystal Meanings.
Magical Incantation of Rhodonite
This is a message from Rhodonite from Doreen Virtue and Judith Lukomski's book "Crystal Therapy":
"I am sound sensitive, which makes me an excellent partner in sound healing or in a toning practice. One aspect of my role is assistance in the sound chamber re-creation on the earthly plane. The sound chamber is the temple (which now exists in the astral plane) that uses sound, in combination with color and crystals, to accelerate vibrational frequencies. I can help you anchor this increased vibration on Earth and in your physical body to help you awaken your soul's healing memories. Try linking my vibrational sequences with chanting to further magnify your output of intention and receptivity to information. As I accompany you on this journey, I ask you to review situations and relationships with a new eye in order to really see what isn't working and recognize your outdated beliefs, patterns, and reactions. It's time for you to actualize as you were intended to do, so listen to the guidance of your heart and walk forward in peace."
What chakra is Rhodonite for?
Rhodonite is associated with the Heart chakra. It is used to balance love energy.
To learn more about crystals and your chakras, visit the Chakra Guide.
How do I meditate with Rhodonite?
To meditate with your Rhodonite crystals, program them for your intention. Hold, wear, and surround yourself with the stones during your meditation.
Need help meditating? We have recorded a Guided Rhodonite Meditation for you to follow along.
What are some interesting facts about Rhodonite?
Some interesting facts about Rhodonite throughout history include:
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Rhodonite has been the official Gemstone of Massachusetts since 1979.
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Russian children exchange Rhodonite eggs for Easter.
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The State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg boasts a unique collection of Rhodonite objects, ranging from colossal floor lamps to jewelry boxes and even coffins, such as Empress Maria Alexandrovna's sarcophagus.
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Rhodonite was associated with the Goddess Isis in Ancient Egypt.
Is Rhodonite stone rare?
Massive rhodonite pieces are found in various countries like Argentina, Australia, Brazil, England, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Madagascar, Mexico, Peru, Russia, Sweden, and the USA.
Extremely rare, deep pink, and translucent Rhodonite crystals are expensive. These can be faceted into fancy jewelry if they are not first claimed by mineral collectors.
Shop for Rhodonite Stones
Make sure you are buying your Rhodonite from a reputable source like Satin Crystals. Shop the Rhodonite Collection on the site or here on the blog:
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Contact Satin Crystals
Have any questions about Rhodonite stones? Feel free to contact us by filling out the form below and Sheila or Lisa Satin will get back to you.
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