Lexi Webster
Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral that is found in a small number of locations worldwide. In Australia, it can be found in the Rosebery Mine in the Rosebery district of the West Coast municipality in Tasmania. It is also present in the Maestries Mine in the Dundas mineral field of the Zeehan mining district, which is also in the West Coast municipality of Tasmania. Additionally, rhodochrosite can be found in Broken Hill in the Broken Hill district of the Yancowinna Co. in New South Wales.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | Rose-red, pink, pale brown, grey, yellow, or brown |
| Chemical composition | MnCO3 |
| Mohs hardness | 3.5 to 4.5 |
| Specific gravity | 3.45 to 3.6 |
| Crystal system | Trigonal |
| Cleavage | Perfect |
| Found in Australia | Rosebery Mine, Maestries Mine, Broken Hill |
| Global locations | South Africa, China, the Americas, Romania, Argentina, Colorado |
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What You'll Learn
Rhodochrosite in Rosebery Mine, Tasmania
The Rosebery Mine in Rosebery, Tasmania, is a major underground mine that has been in operation since 1936. It works a group of related Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag-Au volcanogenic massive sulphide-type deposits on the slopes of Mt Black, adjacent to the town of the same name, in western Tasmania. The mine is currently operated by Minerals and Metals Group (MMG), and it produces zinc, lead, copper, silver, and gold.
Rhodochrosite is a mineral that occurs as a hydrothermal vein mineral, with other manganese minerals in low-temperature ore deposits. It is known for its distinct pure rose-red colour, although its shade can vary from pink to pale brown due to the presence of siderite, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
Rhodochrosite has been found in the Rosebery Mine in Rosebery, Tasmania. The mineral is one of the mine's relatively late-stage vein minerals, along with barite, witherite, harmotome, and other barium minerals. The presence of rhodochrosite in the Rosebery Mine is likely due to the underlying Devonian granite intrusion (Pine Hill granite), which has resulted in some unusual mineralisation zones.
In addition to the Rosebery Mine in Tasmania, rhodochrosite has also been found in other locations in Australia, including the Maestries Mine in the Dundas mineral field of western Tasmania and Broken Hill in New South Wales. However, the pure form of rhodochrosite is considered rare.
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Rhodochrosite in Maestries Mine, Tasmania
Rhodochrosite is a mineral that occurs as a hydrothermal vein mineral with other manganese minerals in low-temperature ore deposits. It has a distinct rose-red colour, with shades of pink to pale brown. In Australia, Rhodochrosite can be found in the Maestries Mine, also known as the Comet Maestries Mine, in the Dundas mineral field of the Zeehan mining district, on the West Coast municipality of Tasmania. The mine is located in the western region of Tasmania, which is known for its mineral-rich landscape.
The Maestries Mine has been a significant source of Rhodochrosite, a mineral that is sought-after for its unique colour and crystalline structure. The mineral specimens from this mine are known for their high quality, featuring light to medium pink crystalline botryoidal growths and prismatic crystals that have overgrown and intergrown with manganoancalcite. This distinctive growth habit is similar to that noted at Broken Hill in New South Wales, another important source of Rhodochrosite in Australia.
The Dundas mineral field, where the Maestries Mine is located, is characterised by its diverse mineral deposits. The presence of Rhodochrosite in this region indicates the low-temperature hydrothermal vein mineral deposits that are typical of this mineral. The Maestries Mine is part of the larger Zeehan mining district, which has a long history of mining and has yielded a variety of minerals, including Rhodochrosite.
The discovery and extraction of Rhodochrosite in the Maestries Mine have contributed to our understanding of the region's geology and mineralogy. The mineral's presence in this specific mine highlights the unique geological conditions that have formed over time in the Dundas mineral field and the broader West Coast municipality of Tasmania. The study of Rhodochrosite and its occurrence in this region continues to provide valuable insights into the Earth's natural processes and the formation of mineral deposits.
In addition to the Maestries Mine, the Kara Mine at Hampshire in Tasmania has also yielded Rhodochrosite. This occurrence is noted for its uncommon carbonate mineral composition, with calcite as the dominant carbonate. The mineral specimens from the Kara Mine are often characterised by small botryoidal clusters with quartz veins, adding to the diversity of Rhodochrosite formations found in Tasmania.
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Rhodochrosite in Broken Hill, New South Wales
Rhodochrosite is a mineral that can be found in various locations in Australia, including Broken Hill, New South Wales. Broken Hill is a well-known mineralogy site, with a variety of minerals found in the area.
The rhodochrosite found in Broken Hill is described as a rich pink colour, with a lustrous, botryoidal coating on a brecciated matrix. The botryoids average 5 to 7 mm across. This particular specimen is considered unique, with a sculptural quality that sets it apart from other Broken Hill rhodochrosites, which are often described as ugly. The specimen was previously part of the Dr. W.S. Logan Collection and was featured in his self-published book, "RHODOCHROSITE: Crystals of Drama and Nuance". It was also offered for sale by The Arkenstone on iRocks.com, measuring 10.0 x 6.1 x 5.5 cm and priced at $3500.
In addition to rhodochrosite, Broken Hill is known for other minerals such as nundorite, a unique rock composed of aegirine and feldspar. The district of Broken Hill offers a range of mineral specimens for collectors and enthusiasts, with local businesses such as McCarthurs Mineral Specimens specialising in Broken Hill minerals. These mineral specimens are available for purchase through their website and platforms like eBay, providing an opportunity for individuals to own a piece of the region's geological history.
The pure form of rhodochrosite is considered rare, and its typical colour is rose-red. The presence of siderite, calcium, magnesium, and zinc can alter the specimen's colour, resulting in shades of pink to pale brown. Rhodochrosite occurs as a hydrothermal vein mineral, found in low-temperature ore deposits alongside other manganese minerals. This mineral's distinct characteristics and relatively limited occurrence make it a sought-after addition to any mineral collection.
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Rhodochrosite's chemical composition
Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral with the chemical composition MnCO3. It is made up of 61.7% MnO and 38.3% CO2. In its pure form, which is rare, rhodochrosite is typically rose-red, but it can also be shades of pink to pale brown. The carbonate ions (CO2− 3) in rhodochrosite are arranged in a triangular planar configuration, while the manganese ions (Mn2+) are surrounded by six oxygen ions in an octahedral arrangement. These MnO6 octahedra and CO3 triangles are linked together to form a three-dimensional structure.
Iron is usually present in rhodochrosite, substituting part of the manganese. Calcium, magnesium, and zinc are also sometimes found in the mineral, replacing manganese and resulting in lighter shades of red and pink. The presence of these elements in rhodochrosite is due to the isomorphic substitution of calcium, magnesium, and zinc for manganese in the mineral's structure. This substitution leads to variations in the colour of rhodochrosite, with higher levels of substitution resulting in lighter shades.
Rhodochrosite is formed by the oxidation of manganese ore and is often found in low-temperature hydrothermal veins, along with other manganese minerals. It can also be found in high-temperature metasomatic deposits and sedimentary manganese deposits, as well as in some pegmatites. The mineral is known to occur in various parts of the world, including Australia, where it has been found in the Rosebery Mine in Tasmania and the Broken Hill district in New South Wales.
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Rhodochrosite's formation
Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral with the chemical composition MnCO3. It is formed by the oxidation of manganese ore. In its pure form, rhodochrosite is typically rose-red, but it can also be found in shades of pink to pale brown. The manganese in rhodochrosite is frequently replaced by iron, magnesium, and/or calcium, resulting in lighter shades of red and pink. This substitution of elements changes the composition and alters the specific gravity, hardness, and colour of the mineral.
Rhodochrosite tends to occur as a hydrothermal vein mineral, along with other manganese minerals, in low-temperature ore deposits. In these deposits, rhodochrosite accumulates in layers on the walls of the cavity and may form stalactites and stalagmites on the roof and floor, similar to speleothems in a cavern. These formations are often removed and slabbed to produce material with concentric pink banding. Rhodochrosite is rarely found as well-formed crystals, so crystals can be extremely valuable.
In Australia, rhodochrosite can be found in the following locations:
- Rosebery Mine, Rosebery district, West Coast municipality, Tasmania
- Maestries Mine, Comet Maestries mine, Dundas mineral field, Zeehan mining district, West Coast municipality, Tasmania
- Broken Hill, Broken Hill district, Yancowinna Co., New South Wales
Outside of Australia, rhodochrosite has been found in South Africa, China, and the Americas, including the United States and Argentina. Some of the best examples of rhodochrosite formations are found at the Capillitas and Catamarca deposits in Argentina, where it is the national gemstone. Rhodochrosite is also the official state mineral of Colorado, with notable deposits found at the Sweet Home Mine near Alma.
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Frequently asked questions
Rhodochrosite can be found in the Rosebery Mine in the Rosebery district of the West Coast municipality in Tasmania, Australia.
Yes, rhodochrosite can also be found in the Maestries Mine in the Dundas mineral field of the Zeehan mining district in Tasmania, as well as in Broken Hill in the Broken Hill district of the Yancowinna Co. in New South Wales.
Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral with a chemical composition of MnCO3. It is typically found in shades of rose red, pink, and pale brown.
Rhodochrosite is used as an ore of manganese, which is a key component of stainless steel, tool steels, and certain aluminium alloys. It is also used for decorative stones and jewellery due to its vibrant colours.
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