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An extraordinary stone of the Heart Chakra, Rhodonite shares more than the lovely rose color of its sister stone, Rhodochrosite. While both lay bare the emotional wounds and scars of the past for healing, restoration and reinvigoration, Rhodochrosite focuses on nurturing the inner self and reclaiming all one was meant to be. Rhodonite, richer in color with effects that are deeper and more lasting, takes up the process and empowers one to reach one’s full potential, focusing one’s gifts and energies outward for the betterment of all. It is a stone of purpose, cooperation and community, altruism and generosity of spirit. It is a talisman to further the “brotherhood of humanity.” 

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Rhodonite is highly recognized as an emotional healer and for bringing one back to center during stressful times. It is a crucial “first aid stone” for calming emotional shock and panic, and provides grounded support during the process of dealing with painful issues. Rhodonite has a strong resonance with forgiveness and giving the soul the love it needs in order to heal. It gently releases self-destructive tendencies, festering resentments and anger, and allows one to see both sides of an issue to reach conciliation. It encourages the love of others, and aligning with the spirituality of the universe in order to recognize one’s purpose and how one’s gifts and abilities may be used to effect change on Earth. 

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Rhodonite is a manganese inosilicate (chain silicate) and member of the Pyroxenoid group of minerals. It primarily occurs in massive or granular habits, compact groupings, coxcomb aggregates, and rarely as transparent crystals in thick tabular form, often with rounded edges. In massive form, Rhodonite is most often rose-pink to red with black dendritic veins or patches of manganese oxide running through it, though it can also be orange-red or brownish-red. The rare transparent crystals are red or red-orange, seldom exceed 1 gm in weight, and can be cut into excellent gems. 

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Rhodonite was first discovered in the 1790’s in the Ural Mountains of Russia near Maloe Sidelnikovo, and was called orletz by the locals, Russian for “the Eagle Stone” because people began to notice eagles in the region often carried small pieces of the stone to their nests. It soon became tradition to place small Rhodonite stones in their babies’ cradles as well. The custom was later extended to giving Rhodonite to travelers as a protective stone. Massive blocks of orletz containing Rhodonite and other manganese minerals weighing up to 48 tons apiece were mined from this location and many mines throughout the Urals, used for ornamental carvings, massive inlays and beautiful jewelry made famous by Czars and nobles. It became the national stone of Russia in 1913. 

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This mineral was officially named Rhodonite in 1819 by Christoph Friedrich Jasche, from the Greek rhodon, meaning “rose,” and refers to its characteristic pink color. It has been referred to as Peach Blossom Jade, Vermilion Jade, or Pink Marble; and in the Urals as orletz, bakan, Hornstone, or Ruby Spar. It is mined in many locations around the world, including Massachusetts, USA, where it was declared the official state gemstone in 1979. Rhodonite is sometimes confused with the manganese carbonate Rhodochrosite, as well as the high pressure, low temperature polymorph Pyroxmangite. While Rhodochrosite is softer with white banding compared to Rhodonite’s hardness and black veining, Rhodonite and Pyroxmangite share the same general composition and x-ray studies may be needed to make a distinction.

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Hold Rhodonite to dispel anxiety and remain centered in challenging situations. It is ideal for alerting one to circumstances where something, or someone, is not as it seems, and provides the “wake up call” needed to do something positive about it. Use Rhodonite to hold back insults and recognize that revenge and retaliation are self-destructive. In times of danger, it is particularly useful to promote calm and to ameliorate panic. 

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Rhodonite creates an engaging aura and protects against envy and jealousy. It is highly effective for reducing childhood jealousies between siblings that often spoil their adult relationships. Use Rhodonite to avoid arguments over shared assets, such as an inheritance.

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Wear, carry or place Rhodonite in any area to balance emotions and nurture feelings of love. Utilize it in the workplace to increase self-assurance and overcome feelings of inadequacies, and keep in areas where family relaxes, to calm children, teenagers and adults who have trouble controlling their temper, swear or constantly argue. It is highly effective for learning to take back projections that blame others for what is really inside the self. 

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Use Rhodonite to regain equilibrium, both emotionally and physically, after a period of grief or loss, major illness, financial disappointment, heartache or intense unhappiness. Wear Rhodonite jewelry after a breakup to learn to love yourself and value your own company. It is exceptional for healing the mental scars of violence, relieving the pain of unrequited love, or the obsession for a love who would never leave an existing relationship. 

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Rhodonite assists in the healing of speech and hearing, and makes one more sensitive to sounds and music. It is also reputed to give the wearer the ability to learn languages more easily. 

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Use Rhodonite to transmute lust and excessive libido into a loving exchange of passionate sexual energy, and to assist in achieving tantric union. 

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Rhodonite is a wonderful talisman for service personnel, peacekeepers and aid workers, as well as those who live in or near war zones. To send positive energy, set a dish of tumbled Rhodonites or a Rhodonite egg next to a picture of the war-torn area or loved one serving overseas. Light a rose candle, name those you wish to bless, and let the candle burn out.

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