Rhodochrosite is a Manganese carbonate mineral that forms as pinkish-red trigonal crystals in its purist and most rare form. These rose colored specimens often form in rhombic, columnar or bladed crystals. As a gemstone, Rhodochrosite is more often recognized in its massive form as the crystals are quite rare and much less common than the banded microcrystalline version. This variety of Rhodochrosite has alternating bands of pink and white layers that often form agate-like patterns. The rock is sliced into slabs and cut into cabochons to show off its inner patterns.

Rhodochrosite is quite a soft stone, with a hardness of 3.5-4 on the Mohs hardness scale. It is often mined as a byproduct in silver mines. It forms in veins of metamorphic rock where hydrothermal solutions of Manganese and Carbon formed repeated layers of mineral growth. Common localities for Rhodochrosite include Argentina, Peru, South Africa, Colorado, Russia, Spain and Mexico. As a gemstone it is usually only cut in cabochon form or fashioned into beads.