Rhodochrosite

Metaphysical & Spiritual Properties

A powerful stone for the heart chakra, Rhodochrosite helps to open up the heart and promote feelings of love and compassion. It is also believed to have a calming effect on the emotions, making it an excellent choice for those dealing with anxiety or stress. It carries within it a sense of balance that helps us to cope with life’s problems in a more balance and graceful manner – without avoidance.  Rhodochrosite is comforting and positive. Like soft sunlight or gentle waters, it brings a deep sense of contentment, and can help us to balance inner conflict. It does so by bringing the mental and emotional bodies into alignment. This relieves stress and opens our hearts to fuller, deeper love. It can also help us to flow through the grief process.

In addition to its emotional properties, Rhodochrosite is said to be a powerful stone for physical healing. It is believed to have a detoxifying effect on the body, helping to clear out negative energies and promote overall health and wellness.

History & Folklore

In ancient Greece, it was believed to be a powerful aphrodisiac that could stimulate passion and desire. The Incas of Peru prized the stone and believed that Rhodochrosite was the blood of their ancestors, and it was often used in offerings to the gods. In the 1940s, Rhodochrosite became the national stone of Argentina, where it is still mined today.

Geological Information

Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral and member of the Calcite group. It has a vitreous, pearly lustre and can range from deep rose to pink, with bands of yellowish grey, brown or white, even reds can occur when there is minimal iron content. Often found with silver deposits, it is rarely found with well-formed crystals, so it can be extremely valuable as a mineral specimen. Some of the best Rhodochrosite is found in Argentina, where it formed in the Incan silver mines after they were abandoned in the thirteenth century. Other fine specimens have been found in Colorado in the Sweet Home Mine.

Works Well With...

Rhodochrosite works well with other heart-centered stones such as Rose Quartz, Pink Tourmaline and Green Aventurine. It can also be used in combination with grounding stones like Hematite or Smoky Quartz to balance its high vibration energy.