Wayne Kukuk Geology 110 - 11531 9 October 2023 My Pet Rock Rhodonite A captivating mineral that has captured the attention of gemstone enthusiasts and collectors, possesses a distinct its pink to red color, hardness, high specific gravity, perfect cleavage, and its association with black manganese oxides. Belonging to the pyroxenoid group, known for their complex crystal structures and rich colors, rhodonite exhibits a striking and vibrant range of hues when polished. Its vitreous to dull luster adds to its visual appeal, making it highly desirable in the world of gemstone jewelry. It is sometimes mistaken for rhodochrosite, which is softer and effervescent in hydrochloric acid, or thulite, which is typically not associated with black manganese oxides. This unique mineral Rhodonite is typically found in metamorphic rocks associated with other manganese minerals, forming under high temperatures and pressures. It is frequently associated with minerals such as pyroxene, garnet, and quartz. It can also be found in rocks altered by contact metamorphism, hydrothermal processes, and metasomatism. Occurring in a massive to granular form, it rarely appears as red triclinic crystals. Considered an uncommon mineral, rhodonite is found in a few small deposits worldwide. Its sources include countries such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, England, India, Peru, Russia, and Sweden. In the United States, it has been discovered in North Carolina, Colorado, New Jersey, and has been designated as the state gem of Massachusetts. Throughout history, rhodonite has been utilized for various