Rhodochrosite questions

[CSpan]

Hi ladies. I'm an not super familiar with Rhodochrosite and was hoping for some advice.

Would you set it in a ring? How durable a stone is it? Any specific pitfalls?

Here is the stone I'm pondering

 

[elle_71125]

Hi ladies. I'm an not super familiar with Rhodochrosite and was hoping for some advice.

Would you set it in a ring? How durable a stone is it? Any specific pitfalls?

Here is the stone I'm pondering

Unfortunately, it’s not a very durable gem. It’s about a 3-4 on the MOH scale. I freaking love the material (I mean...look at that color) but the softness makes me nervous.

 

[Jadeite_101]

Rhodochrosite is stable in light and of natural color. Has a mohs hardness of 3.5-4.5. It should be cleaned in cool soapy water. Avoid ultrasonics, rough handling, heat and chemicals. Rhodochrosite is a beautiful stone for pendants, pins and earrings, BUT DOES NOT WITHSTAND WEAR IN RINGS.

- Renee Newman

Bluegemz has beautiful gemmy Rhodochrosites she set as pendants. I have a Rhodochrosite necklace in my collection as well.

 

[CSpan]

Thank you @elle_71125 and @Jadeite_101 you saved me some heartache for sure. Sigh, the pretty ones are always so finicky.

 

[stracci2000]

Calling @Bluegemz
She has some awesome rhodochrosite pieces.

 

[Bluegemz]

Calling @Bluegemz
She has some awesome rhodochrosite pieces.

Thank you @Jadeite_101 abs @stracci2000 !
My experience with rhodochrosite is that Just feels like a soft, buttery kind of gem with a great glow, rich and luminous, almost luxurious. Perfect for pendants and earrings but definitely not for rings. I’m sure mine would be broken by now if I had it in a ring.
To the OP, that stone is lovely and faceted rhodochrosite is somewhat hard to find given the difficulty of cutting it. I can see it in a pendant easily.

 

[Bluegemz]

To throw in some pictures for rhodochrosite appreciation, ..here is the polished, natural crystal shape, rhodo which I got, and here’s the pendant I had made with it.

 

[Bluegemz]

Here is another one which I bought, destined for another pendant.

 

[marymm]

I have a lovely Rhodochrosite oval cabochon pair I bought from The Gem Trader several years back ... I adore the color!

 

[Bluegemz]

I have a lovely Rhodochrosite oval cabochon pair I bought from The Gem Trader several years back ... I adore the color!

Would love to see them! I agree, the colors are beautiful.

 

[prs]

Rhodochrosite from the Sweet Home mine in Colorado can have fantastic color, and carries quite a premium over material from other sources. A couple of years ago, when DW and I were new to gemstones, we went to an auction preview in LA. They had an absolutely show stopping 15.09ct faceted cushion that we were told was one of the largest gems ever recovered from that mine. It sold for $20,000!!!

 

[prs]

We've been looking for a nice Rhodochrosite ever since. So far DW has had to make do with a 13.5mm necklace. The color is not particularly great, but it only cost $90. Unfortunately it's locked in at the vendor until they are allowed back.

 

[marymm]

I have a lovely Rhodochrosite oval cabochon pair I bought from The Gem Trader several years back ... I adore the color!

These are Brad's pics but the color IRL is more vibrant - Sweet Home Mine, Alma, CO per Brad, 3.72ctw 8x6mm pair - I'd really love a two-stone ring with them just so I can see their color but I know I'd be taking a chance ... that's why I haven't set them yet...