Rhodochrosite

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Rhodochrosite
Chemical composition MnCO3 + Fe, Ca
Crystal system Hexagonal
Habit Rhombohedral
Colors pink, red, yellowish, gray, brown
Hardness 3.5 - 4
Specific gravity 3.40 - 3.70
Optic nature Uniaxial -
Refractive Index 1.60 - 1.83
Birefringence 0.208 - 0.220
Lustre Vitreous to pearly
Spectacular Cabochon 60x30mm
Capillitas, Catamarca Province, Argentina
Photo courtesy of Barbra Voltaire