What mineral is called the rose of the Incas?

Rhodochrosite is a stone whose beauty is already determined by its name. Translated from Greek, rhodochrosite means colored like a rose. Rhodochrosite stones are distinguished not only by the beauty of their color, they also have natural patterns and designs. Indeed, the best examples of rhodochrosite resemble the queen of flowers – the Rose. Depending on the presence and concentration of impurities, the beauty of the mineral can change noticeably. For example, in the presence of iron, the delicate pink colors are somewhat lost, and the stone acquires brown and reddish shades. Calcium impurities will make rhodochrosites whitish. However, pink or crimson rhodochrosite with intricate patterns can compete with malachite and charoite. Today this mineral is used as an ore base in the production of alloy steels, as well as the extraction of manganese. And the beauty of individual minerals allows them to be used as jewelry. Individual specimens of pink crystals are valued by jewelers as more expensive than gold. In modern times, rhodochrosite was first found in Argentina in the late 1930s. But they knew about it long before that, since the Indians used this stone to make both jewelry and ritual items. Therefore, the stone received another name – “Rose of the Incas”. Archaeologists have found unique jewelry with this stone – necklaces, earrings and bracelets dating back thousands of years. Physical properties of rhodochrosite The color of rhodochrosite is stable, with shades from pink to deep crimson and even cherry color. Rhodochrosite contains large amounts of manganese. Hardness – 4.
Density 3,30 – 3,70.
The fracture is uneven and conchoidal.
Degree of transparency: from opaque to transparent.
There is no pleochroism.
There is no luminescence. Manganese spar MnCO3 – this is what rhodochrosite is called in industry; it can differ in its structure. The mineral can be in the form of scaly aggregates, deposits, spherulites and crystals. Rhodochrosite deposits Rhodochrosite is not rare in nature, but the best crystals are rare, and deposits of high-quality stone are few and far between. Crystals of perfect beauty are found on stalactite massifs of manganese spar in the caves of South America. Sometimes crystals are densely colored and transparent. Deposits of rhodochrosite exist in Argentina, Germany, Hungary, and the USA. In Argentina, unique stalactites made of rhodochrosite are found in the ancient silver mines of the Incas. In Russia, rhodochrosite was found in Transbaikalia, in the Urals. In Mongolia, the stone has the purest pink color; cherry-colored crystals are also found. Among the Ural and European rhodochrosites, the strawberry shade is considered characteristic; in the USA, in the state of Colorado, it is white and pink; in Argentina, rhodochrosite has intricate striped patterns in the form of streaks. When discovered, rhodochrosite stalactites and stalagmites are quickly taken away. And such unique creations of nature are formed over many millions of years.

Jewelry with rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite is considered a beautiful stone. Various decorations are cut from it and used as a facing material. Jewelry quality crystals cost over $20 per carat. Large crystalline formations are rare and represent a significant cost. Due to its physical properties, rhodochrosite is difficult to cut. Cabochons are often made from the mineral. Beautiful patterned crystals are used for beads, bracelets, ring inserts and pendants. Rhodochrosite can also be seen in the decoration of brooches in combination with other crystals. Products made from rhodochrosite are most often preferred by women.

Rhodochrosite – magical and healing properties

Among the Incas, rhodochrosite was considered the petrified blood of Indian leaders. In Europe, he was also treated with respect. Medieval sorcerers and magicians attributed magical powers to the mineral. In the East, the stone was endowed with abilities to cleanse the soul, strengthen love, and also claimed that it could help in acquiring new knowledge. In Mongolia, jewelry with rhodochrosite was worn in order to evoke love, calm violent emotions, and fill the soul with energy. For this purpose in magic, evenly colored crystals, without white striped patterns, are considered the best. There is a wedding palace in Ulaanbaatar, in which the interior is lined with rhodochrosite. Striped rhodochrosites are used for rosaries or beads, and it is believed that these stones help achieve the highest degree of enlightenment and power. Rhodochrosite is used successfully in lithotherapy. The stone is especially significant in cleansing the blood of toxins and improving vision. In case of cleansing, lithotherapists recommend using rhodochrosite balls to massage over the problematic surface of the body. Rhodochrosite plates are used for applications in the treatment of skin diseases. Based on all that has been said, it is not surprising that since ancient times rhodochrosite has been used as amulets and talismans. It was assumed that the crystal was capable of creating harmony in personal relationships. But it’s not that simple. As a protective amulet, it is not useful to everyone. Astrologers talk about their observations like this: Gemini and Libra can most benefit from owning all types of jewelry and objects made of rhodochrosite. Rhodochrosite is an ore-forming mineral of predominantly crimson color. The bright and lasting shade of the stone is given by the divalent manganese present in it. With a high concentration of calcium, the mineral becomes pale pink, and if it contains iron impurities, it becomes yellowish-brown. In collecting circles, rhodochrosite is considered one of the most expensive gems. Some of its pieces on the jewelry market can be valued at more than gold.

A little history of the appearance of the mineral

The name “rhodochrosite” has ancient Greek roots and literally means “colored like a rose.” In the scientific literature, the mineral is also found under other names. Scientists often call it dialogite, crimson or manganese spar. The ancient Indians called the gem the rose of the Incas. They were sure that the bright crimson crystals were the frozen blood of their rulers, who turned into stone after death. The Indians treated the mineral with deep reverence and unconditionally believed in its supernatural powers. A beautiful ancient legend is associated with the appearance of rhodochrosite. According to him, in time immemorial on our planet, people lived side by side with various deities. A young elf wizard lived in one of the caves. While walking, he met an earthly girl named Anna and fell in love with her. The beauty was inflamed with reciprocal feelings for the elf and agreed to become his wife. But finding herself in a deep cave, she began to yearn for her earthly garden with rose bushes. The elf could not calmly watch how sad his young wife was. Whispering a spell, he turned the stones on the walls of the cave into luxurious roses. Stone flowers, later called rhodochrosites, looked no different from real ones. Seeing them, beautiful Anna cheered up and was never sad again.

Description of the stone, where it was mined

Rhodochrosites are translucent minerals with a glassy luster, perfect cleavage and trigonal system. The most common color of the stone is bright pink. In some deposits, rhodochrosites of red, orange and yellowish-brown colors are mined. The hardness of the mineral on the Mohs scale is 4 units. Due to its excessive fragility, the gem is difficult to cut and has a high price on the jewelry market. In addition to the production of jewelry, manganese spar is widely used as an ornamental stone in the manufacture of souvenirs, as well as in the metallurgical and chemical industries. South America is considered the birthplace of rhodochrosite. The most expensive and beautiful specimens of the crimson mineral used in jewelry are mined on this continent. In the US state of Colorado there is a deposit of white-pink manganese spar. It was in this region that the King of Alma, the largest and most expensive rhodochrosite in the world, was discovered. Today, the miracle stone is kept in one of the Denver museums and any traveler visiting the city can see it. Argentina is famous throughout the world for the extraction of brown manganese spar in the form of stalactites, which collectors value for its purity and rich color. There are also deposits of capiilite, a unique rhodochrosite with dark brown stripes on the surface. In Eurasia, the largest deposits of the mineral are located in Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Hungary, Germany, France, and Spain. In the Russian Federation, stone mining is carried out in the North Caucasus, the Urals and Transbaikalia.

Use of gems for medicinal purposes

The Inca rose is credited with incredible healing properties. Representatives of alternative medicine use the stone to cleanse the blood and combat slagging in the body. In Asian countries, rhodochrosite is used as a general tonic. To strengthen the immune system and forget about diseases for a long time, eastern healers give the patient a massage using balls made from raspberry spar. This procedure effectively strengthens the body’s defenses and is a reliable prevention of influenza and other viral diseases. For women who want to look younger than their age, cosmetologists advise regularly massaging their face and neck with small rhodochrosite stones. The mineral has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, restores its elasticity, and makes facial and age wrinkles less noticeable. Rhodochrosite stone is an excellent remedy for combating infectious diseases of the skin. It relieves inflammatory processes on the skin and promotes its rapid recovery. For medicinal purposes, lithotherapists recommend applying flat mineral plates to the problem area several times a day. Massaging the inflamed area of ​​skin with a preheated stone wrapped in sterile gauze will also help speed up recovery. Manganese spar improves performance, relieves fatigue and muscle tension. To quickly restore strength, a person needs to relax and admire the magical shine of the gem for several minutes. The stone will give him the energy necessary to complete an important task. For people who have to spend a lot of time in front of a computer, rhodochrosite will help preserve their vision. To do this, you need to place it on your desktop and look at it periodically. Crimson spar has long been famous for its ability to cure heart disease. For those who suffer from heart problems, lithotherapists advise wearing this stone on their chest in the form of a pendant. Hypertensive patients should purchase a bracelet with an Inca rose and wear it on their left hand. The decoration will allow them to normalize blood pressure without the use of medications. The beneficial properties of the stone do not end there. Rhodochrosite helps overcome anxiety, psychological complexes and self-doubt. It allows people prone to depression to overcome their depression and feel the joy of life again. In order for the magical influence of the stone to manifest itself to the maximum, they need to constantly wear it on themselves and not take it off even at night.

Magical abilities of the stone, amulets made from it

Does rhodochrosite have magical properties? Esotericists answer this question in the affirmative and advise everyone who finds themselves in a difficult life situation to use the power of the stone. Since ancient times, the Inca rose has been considered the protector of love and family well-being. Talismans and amulets made from it will help a lonely person attract a worthy companion into his life and create a strong and happy union with him. For a married couple, jewelry with a gem will preserve love and passion in a relationship and protect against misunderstanding and betrayal. If scandals often occur in a family, experts advise leaving a small rhodochrosite stone in the center of the living room or other room where household members spend their free time. The gem will improve the emotional situation in the house and return peace and harmony to it. In modern magic, manganese spar is used to make amulets and amulets that protect a person from the evil eye, damage and curses. For hot-tempered people, jewelry with the mineral will help control their emotions and avoid sudden outbursts of anger. When choosing an amulet with an Inca rose, a person needs to pay attention to the zodiac sign under which he was born:

1. Products with manganese spar are ideal for Gemini. The stone will help representatives of this sign understand their feelings, desires and ambitions, and choose the right path in life.
2. For Libra, a decoration with an Inca rose will preserve love and mutual understanding in the family. In order for the positive characteristics of the stone to manifest themselves to the maximum, people born under this zodiac sign need to carry it with them constantly, parting with it only for a short time.
3. For people born under the constellation Cancer, astrologers recommend using an amulet with rhodochrosite only during the waning moon. During its growth, as well as during the full moon, the mineral can cause unreasonable fears and anxieties in Cancers.

Experts recommend using pendants, bracelets, earrings and other jewelry with the mineral as an amulet. Jewelry will give its owner success, happiness and mutual love, and will protect him from illness and adversity. Animal figurines made from manganese spar also have magical powers. They should be kept in the most visible place in the house, and then misfortune will bypass all its inhabitants.