Rhodochrosite is a rose-colored gemstone that was only introduced to the market around 1940. It can be recognised by its alternating raspberry red and pink stripes, somewhat similar in that respect to malachite or agate. The most common colors are light red and pink and it displays a vitreous luster when polished. Transparent red crystals are rare and rhodochrosite is usually found in an aggregate form.
Due to its composition, rhodochrosite is also referred to as manganesespar or as raspberryspar with reference to its color. The name rhodochrosite comes from the Greek word, "rhodokhros", meaning "rose colored". In Argentina, rhodochrosite stalagmites formed in Inca silver mines that were abandoned centuries ago. Sometimes it is also called "Rosa del Inca" or "Inca rose stone" and it is said that the Incas believed that rhodochrosite was the blood of their former rulers that had turned to stone. Rhodochrosite is the national gemstone of Argentina and the state mineral of Colorado as significant deposits were discovered in both places. The main rhodochrosite deposits are in Argentina as well as Chile, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, Hungary and the USA.
Rhodochrosite's pink color associates it with emotional healing, love, compassion, creativity and intuition. Rhodochrolite is thought to encourage positive feelings, personal strength and to soothe its wearer. Physically, rhodochrolite is said to help blood pressure, respiration, migraines and in traditional Hindu beliefs, rhodochrolite is associated with Anahata, or the heart chakra, which is related to peace, decision-making, love, compassion and psychic healing.