Rhodochrosite
| Colour | Pink, Red |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 3.5–4 |
| Lustre | Vitreous to pearly |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Trigonal |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage | On {101} perfect; parting on {102} |
| Fracture | Uneven, conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | MnCO 3 |
| Specific gravity | 3.7 |
What is Rhodochrosite?
Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral with chemical composition MnCO3. In its pure form (rare), it is typically a rose-red colour, but it can also be shades of pink to pale brown. It streaks white, and its Mohs hardness varies between 3.5 and 4.5. Its specific gravity is between 3.45 and 3.6. The crystal system of rhodochrosite is trigonal, with a structure and cleavage in the carbonate rhombohedral system. The carbonate ions (CO2−3) are arranged in a triangular planar configuration, and the manganese ions (Mn2+) are surrounded by six oxygen ions in an octahedral arrangement. The MnO6
How to identify Rhodochrosite
- Lustre: Vitreous to pearly.
- Hardness: Mohs 3.5–4 — soft; a knife will scratch it.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Trigonal crystal system.
Rhodochrosite value
Based on 100 recent eBay sold listings, a raw / cluster Rhodochrosite typically sells for $10–$19 (about $0.06–$0.17 per gram for raw material). After eBay fees a seller nets roughly $11 on a median piece.
| Recently sold | Weight | Sold | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 410G Rare!!Natural rhodochrosite with pyrite specimen restoration-museum level | 410 g | $11 | 2026-06-21 |
| 104G Natural Rhodochrosite Crystal rough Specimen Healing- Museum Grade | 104 g | $19 | 2026-06-21 |
| 78G Natural rhodochrosite crystal mineral specimen healing - museum Grade | 78 g | $11 | 2026-06-21 |
| 97G Natural rhodochrosite crystal mineral specimen healing - museum Grade | 97 g | $16 | 2026-06-21 |
| 85G Natural rhodochrosite with purple fluorite crystal mineral specimen healing | 85 g | $13 | 2026-06-21 |
| 4.19LB Collection!! Natural Rhodochrosite Raw Crystal Gem Mineral Specimen | 1901 g | $19 | 2026-06-21 |
Typical recently-sold prices, 2026-06. Condition, size and quality vary widely, so this is an estimate, not an appraisal. See current sold listings on eBay ↗. Full value guide · how we work this out.
