A rhodonite nodule is usually a smooth, rounded mass, often carrying striking black manganese oxide veining or dendritic patterning. Lapidary enthusiasts prize it for its durability and the contrast between vivid pink-red rhodonite and dark matrix. It is found in metamorphic environments associated with manganese-rich sedimentary rock.
Is this rhodonite nodule?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch rhodonite nodule with a known reference. Rhodonite Nodule sits at Mohs 5.5-6.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rhodonite Nodule leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Rhodonite Nodule typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, red, brown, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: massive, granular, nodular.
Often confused with
Rhodonite Nodule vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside rhodonite nodule
Minerals reported to co-occur with rhodonite nodule. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mn,Fe,Mg,Ca)SiO₃
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6.5
- Density
- 3.4-3.7 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Granular, Nodular
- Cleavage
- Perfect Prismatic
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Lapidary, Collector, Ornamental
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Manganese-rich Deposits
Where rockhounds find rhodonite nodule
1 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Russia
- Sweden
- Australia
- USA
- Brazil
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic manganese-rich deposits country, the host setting where rhodonite nodule typically forms. If you start seeing manganese oxides, quartz, garnet in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, nodular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in California. Start trip planning there.
More rhodonite nodule photos
Common questions
How do you identify rhodonite nodule?+
Where is rhodonite nodule found?+
Can I find rhodonite nodule in the United States?+
What rocks look like rhodonite nodule?+
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Find rhodonite nodule on the map
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