Rhodochrosite Gemstone Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Legends
I
Rhodochrosite Gemstone Facts and History
The alluring Rhodochrosite Gemstone is a red rose mineral made of manganese carbonate. This red-to-pink gem is often mistaken for another pink gemstone, rhodonite, but Rhodochrosite is softer and displays white bands, in contrast to the rhodonite gems’ black ones.
The gem acquires its raspberry red to pink color from the traces of manganese in its layers and can vary in shades of yellow, orange, and brown depending on other trace elements within the gem.
The Rhodochrosite Gemstones form as stalactites and stalagmites in hydrothermal vents of silver, copper, and lead deposits. The delicate gem typically forms with bands of white where solid color gems being rare.
This fragile gem has a Mohs hardness score of 3.5 to 4.5 making it not an ideal gem for jewelry because it is easy to damage.
The discovery of the Rhodochrosite Gemstone is often murky with suggestions that it may have been discovered as early as the Middle Ages.
The earliest known evidence of knowledge of the raspberry gemstone was in the 13th century, crediting King Inca Ripac of the Inca empire for discovering the gem.
Rhodochrosite Gemstones were abundant during the Incan empire, so much that it was mainly known as Inca Rose, Rosa del Inca, or Rosinca in the Americas even to this day.
When the Inca Empire fell, their Rhodochrosite mines were lost, leading to the continuous abundant growth of stalactites and stalagmites of the gem within the mines.
The Rhodochrosite Gemstone was rediscovered in 1813 when deposits in a silver mine were found in modern-day Romania. It was officially described by Johann Hausmann who named the gem Rhodochrosite.
Rhodochrosite came from the combination of the Greek words rhodos and khros, which translates to “rose” and “color” respectively.
In 1938, German geologist Franz Mansfield found the lost Incan Rhodochrosite mines in Buenos Aires where he unearthed an Incan tomb full of Rhodochrosite funerary works.
Today, although rare, Rhodochrosite mines can be primarily found in Romania, the USA, and Argentina with minor sources in Peru, Canada, Russia, China, Japan, Mexico, South America, and Italy.
II
Rhodochrosite Gemstone Uses
A prevalent use for Rhodochrosites is being ores for manganese to use as materials to create low-cost stainless steel.
With the Rhodochrosite Gemstone’s softness, artisans used it to carve beautiful decorative works such as sculptures, figurines, and more.
The beauty of the Rhodochrosite Gemstone makes it an appealing gem for jewelry, but its softness makes it easily prone to damage for everyday use. Rhodochrosite jewelry is typically in the form of cabochons or beads.
The alluring stone is also highly sought after by collectors with especially high quality banded Rhodochrosite Gems fetching a high price.
III
Rhodochrosite Gemstone Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism
The Rhodochrosite Gemstone is heavy with the symbolism of love of all kinds. Be it self-love, romance, or family, the gem enhances the feeling of love and unconditional love in people.
It is also dubbed as the Stone of the Compassionate Heart because it also symbolizes empathy, especially for children and our inner child. Rhodochrosite Gemstones are connected to children’s healing, especially as they transition through the growing pains in life or going through traumatic events.
The Rhodochrosite Gemstone is also a powerful stone for self-acceptance, forgiveness, and new love.
The raspberry gemstone is connected to the heart chakra which helps with relationships and self-authenticity.
It is also connected to the solar plexus chakra which helps with viewing the world clearly, looking past emotions and subjective opinions.
IV
Rhodochrosite Gemstone Symbolism of Different Shapes and Forms
Red Rhodochrosite are deep red Rhodochrosite Gemstone caused by the presence of iron oxide within the mineral structure. They symbolize forgiveness and the mending of relationships.
Banded Rhodochrosites are highly sought-after forms of Rhodochrosites that display a striped pattern. These types of Rhodochrosite are believed to enhance creativity.
Rhodochrosite rosettes are Rhodochrosite formations that are shaped like a rosette. They symbolize the cleaning of auric negative energy.
V
Rhodochrosite Gemstone Symbolism in Different Cultures
Rhodochrosite Gemstones were culturally significant during the Incan Empire and the Americas today. According to an Incan legend, Rhodochrosite Gems got their color from the blood of their royal ancestors.
In Argentina, the Rhodochrosite Gemstone is their unofficial national gem.
The American state of Colorado produces large amounts of Rhodochrosite and declared the rose-colored gem as its official state gem in 2002.
VI
Rhodochrosite Gemstone in Combination with other Gems
Rhodonite and Rhodochrosite Gemstones are gems that are often mistaken with each other. Both gems are connected to the heart chakra and when paired, they greatly improve the balance of emotions, help with self-love, and dispel negative energy.
Lapis Lazuli gemstone is a gem that improves intuition and spiritual awareness. When paired with the Rhodochrosite Gemstone, clarity and insight increase.
Andalusite gemstone and Rhodochrosite both are grounding stones that can increase inner peace and harmony when paired together.
VII
Rhodochrosite Gemstone Birthstone and Zodiac Sign
The Rhodochrosite Gemstone is not a traditional birthstone but it is connected with those born in October.
The rose-colored gem benefits those born under the zodiac sign Scorpio. As Scorpios are ruled by the planet Mars, Rhodochrosite Gemstones create a harmonious balance with their connection to Venus.
Leo also benefits from Rhodochrosite stones as the gem can enhance their wonder and sense of enjoyment in the world.
VIII
Rhodochrosite Gemstone in Dreams
A brown variety of the Rhodochrosite Gemstone is believed to enhance dream recall. Dreaming of Rhodochrosite Gems typically symbolizes happiness, success, and creativity.
IX
Rhodochrosite Gemstone Omens and Superstitions
Superstitious beliefs say that Rhodochrosite Gemstones are gems that point in the correct direction for those who are seeking something or are lost. They are ideal talismans for scientists, explorers, hunters, and researchers.
X
Rhodochrosite Gemstone Mythology and Folklore
The Incan Myth, “Petals of Rhodochrosite,” tells the story of the Incan warrior Tupac Canqui who went against tradition and married an Accla, a forbidden Incan virgin priestess.
The couple started a family and lived a happy life. Until an imperial shaman sent a curse upon them that killed both of them as punishment for their crimes.
After their deaths, an Incan man found the priestess’s tomb with a Rhodochrosite Gemstone on top which then bloomed with bloody flowers. The man brought one of the flowers to the Incan King.
The King, moved by the flower, absolved the warrior and the priestess of their crimes.
