RHODOCHROSITE

Known as the Stone of the Compassionate Heart, Rhodochrosite is the embodiment of selfless love, taking one beyond a place of pure empathy and stirring one into selfless action on behalf of others. All pink stones are known to carry energies of deep unconditional love, however rhodochrosite “emanates one of the most tender and loving energies of any stone." This makes it a powerful talisman of joy and healing, finding one's true self, and embracing one’s full potential. Drawing its name from two Greek words, rhodon, meaning rose, and chroma, meaning color, Rhodochrosite is a pink, calcite mineral, composed of manganese carbonate. Often confused with Rhodonite, similarly named due to the rose pink coloring, the easiest way to tell the difference is the veins, with Rhodonite having dark or black veining while Rhodochrosite contains lighter or white veins and more web-like layering.

Having a hardness between 3.5 and 4, rhodochrosite is commonly found in ore veins containing lead, copper, and silver, and is formed at moderate temperatures, in high temperature metamorphic deposits, and sedimentary deposits. It is transparent to translucent, and typically occurs as massive aggregates or in granular, botryoidal, nodular, or stalactitic forms, and rarely, rhombohedral and scalenohedral crystals are found. In its pure form, it is typically a rose red color, but impure specimens can be shades of pink to pale brown, touting a unique, layered look that is very appealing to the eye. It was officially listed as one of the National symbols of Argentina, and as the state mineral of Colorado 2002. Sometimes called Inca Rose, this beautiful stone is not only aesthetically appealing, but is also used as an ore to gather manganese, which is a key component in the production of low cost stainless steel and certain aluminum alloys. Quality, banded specimens are often used for decoration and jewelry, however, it is very difficult to cut, and is rarely used in faceted jewelry. This beautiful specimen is commonly mined in Germany, England, Spain, Argentina, and the United States, but is a regular purchase by nations all across the globe.  

History of Rhodochrosite

This unique specimen carries a rich history, whose roots begin in the pre-Columbian silver mines all the way back in the 13th century. During that time, the area was known as Tahuantinsuyo and was located within the Inca Empire. Credit for the discovery of this stone was taken by the Incan ruler of the time called Viracocha or Inca Ripac. These proud and spiritual people believed that these red gems were the crystalized blood of their fallen leaders and ancestors, making it sacred and revered.  They continued to work these mines, taking large quantities of silver and rhodochrosite until the decline of their civilization well into the 1500’s, then abandoned, sitting untouched for hundreds of years, during which large stalactites and stalagmites formed in the mine and grew to be enormous. Incan legend states that there is a deep cave underneath the Andes Mountains containing a huge, heart shaped rhodochrosite boulder thought to be the heart of Mother Earth. The locals believed that this sacred organ of the earth would beat only once every two hundred years. This boulder-containing cave was kept well protected as long as their empire was there to protect it. In the 1600s, some of these mines were discovered by the Jesuits, who were searching for copper, silver, and gold during their travels around the world, and they too took an interest in the collection of the beautiful semi-precious stone into the mid 1700s. Moving into the 1850’s mining operations based in Germany and Spain took over the Argentina mines. Since they were located at an elevation of around 10,000 feet, this task proved incredibly challenging. Mules were used for centuries to pack the ore over 30 miles to the nearest processing facility, as this was the most efficient means of transporting the product until 1904, when miners installed a mechanical tram system that moved the ore down the mountain in a continuous loop. This system proved to be problematic, slowing the mining almost to a halt until it would resume once again in 1937 when German geologist Franz Mansfeld discovered a mine from which he drew over 10,00 pounds of raw rhodochrosite.  The Europeans maintained control of these mines until 1940 when the military arm of the Argentinian government stepped in and took over operations in search of copper, leading to an incredible discovery in 1986 of a cavity of giant stalactites up to 10 feet wide, with the walls and ceiling covered with the beautiful stone.

In the United States, the year 1873 marked the beginning of rhodochrosite related domestic mining operations in the form of the Sweet Home Mines in Alma, Colorado. When the operation started, silver was the objective, and miners simply discarded the Incan Rose found alongside the precious ore they were chasing. In the 1930s, when the demand for the pink gemstone increased, collectors discovered that the rough Rhodochrosite mined at Sweet Home was yielding rarely perfect rhombohedron crystals, rivaling those found in Argentina. This became the new gold standard for the crystal causing a significant increase in value, and leading to the discovery and purchase of the two most famous pieces of Rhodochrosite in history; the Alma King and the Alma Rose. These gorgeous Colorado specimens were bought at the Tucson Gem and Mineral show by Helen and Richard Rice. In the near future, the Alma King was sold to the Coors Brewing Company, and then sold again to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The Alma Rose was kept by the Rice Family, where even today, visitors to the Rice Northwest Museum can enjoy the opportunity to lay their eyes on one of the finest specimens of rhodochrosite ever discovered.   

Physical Healing 

With its high content of manganese, rhodochrosite is an important component to the physiology of the human body, aiding in bone growth, tissue repair, and mineral assimilation. It is traditionally used to treat issues with blood pressure and pulse rate, and improve circulatory difficulties while aiding in a healthy overall cardiovascular system. It is believed to be an effective treatment for thyroid imbalances, alleviate breathing issues and asthma, and purify the lungs from irritants. When placed at the base of the skull, it is a powerful aid in the treatment of migraine headaches. When taken internally as an elixir, it can heal infections, cure stomach disorders like ulcers, strengthen the walls of the intestines, and even help the pain of the stomach or indigestion. This can reduce or eliminate the need for pharmaceutical remedies, like antibiotics, anti inflammatories, and antacids, which can all have adverse health effects on the human body. Rhodochrosite has zero negative side effects. Over the last few decades, science has shown that emotional suffering or stress can actually manifest themselves as physical ailments, called somatizations. Ingesting an elixir infused with rhodochrosite can greatly reduce the symptoms of these harmful somatizations, attacking them directly.  Rhodochrosite is also an incredible aid to the nervous system, offering energetic healing for the myelin sheath that covers and protects the nerves. It is not a cure, but it can provide remarkable relief for the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis, especially in conjunction with rhodonite. Another system that this versatile stone can help to regulate is the dermal system. Shingles are a disorder caused by a skin infection, coupled with depression, anxiety, or mourning, and can manifest in the form of rash, hives, or boils. Rhodochrosite is unique in its ability to attack this disorder from all angles, healing the heart, body, and skin, making it an effective cure for many diseases and disorders that are commonly treated with medication. Simply infusing one's drinking water with this powerful crystal and/or carrying it on one’s person can induce miracles of healing.    

Emotional Healing 

Unfortunately, many of us have trauma to deal with, some worse than others, but typically this starts during childhood and is carried through life. This can create a detrimental problem for many, making it very hard to form healthy relationships, have trust in others, and develop an overall sense of self love or self worth. Rhodochrosite is a rescue/remedy stone, and is an excellent tool for dealing with issues of trauma and healing wounds from childhood, and is especially good for people who have been subjected to sexual abuse. It works by directing positive energy into the self, enabling one to go deep within the heart to safely acknowledge, relive, and then release one’s emotional wounds. This stone can help one face the truth about oneself and others, assisting in recognizing negative behaviors and ongoing patterns, neutralizing them, and bringing a sense of compassion and healing in its stead. This can also be a very useful stone for people who are helping others through difficult times. Its purifying energy cleanses and balances the emotions, and it can usher in resolution, peace, and newness. The warm, loving energies of this stone can help one to dig deep for incredible compassion and empathy in oneself, and the ones they love. 

Spiritual Healing

Rhodochrosite can be an incredible tool for those who are looking to expand their consciousness, achieve a higher state of self, and channel their spiritual awareness while promoting a more compassionate, tolerant state. The Incan Rose can provide a strong connection to the divine feminine and encourage one to open their heart to universal love. When one has been feeling disconnected spiritually, rhodochrosite can help to recenter and re-align the physical self with the ethereal self. It can be a great tool for speculating the duality of nature and how it affects the lives of people as they walk their spiritual path. Many archangels are attracted to rhodochrosite and wearing it could help you facilitate communication with them or your spirit guides. In Feng Shui, the pink specimens represent the fire element. Placing them in the southwest corner of the home can greatly enhance love and partnership in the home, strengthening the bond between people who care about each other. This stone's deep energies of love can make it a powerful addition to any healing grid, as love is the medicine to heal the world. Paired with smoky quartz, it can create a cocktail that will teach one to love like they've never been hurt. This powerhouse of crystal energy will give one the ability to walk the fine line between the holding of grudges and self preservation, protecting the spirit from negative vibrations while granting the courage to cut ties from feelings and patterns that no longer serve them. This stone of unconditional love will remind the owner of what's truly important, yielding a balanced, centered, full heart to guide one in the direction of their true, compassionate self.  

Rhodochrosite and the Chakras 

This stone is all about the heart chakra, its effects being felt as soon as it enters the auric field of the owner. If feelings of anger, jealousy, the need to blame others for the way things are, or just a constant need for affirmation, an issue with the heart chakra could be to blame. It's important to remember that the heart chakra is the center of the chakra system, bringing balance to the energetic network that lives along the spine. Connecting the upper chakras with the lower chakras, rhodochrosite can act as a bridge between the physical and the spiritual selves, creating a state of homeostasis. The soothing vibrations of this pink crystal are perfect for clearing, aligning, and activating the heart so effectively, that the solar plexus chakra can be activated as well. If one feels critical of others, feels less than recognized for their achievements, or has difficulty learning new tasks, an imbalance of the solar plexus chakra could be the issue.  This combination effect has earned rhodochrosite the nickname “the inner child stone” leaving whoever uses it feeling loved and joyful, like a happy child. Wearing this stone is like hitting the reset button on the thoughts, feelings, and emotions of whoever is lucky enough to possess it.  

Implementation

Water infusion: Rhodochrosite is a very effective tool for growth, healing, and connection with the higher self. There are many ways to use this unique crystal, and there are no wrong ways to make it work; if it feels right, it is right, and it will make a positive impact on your physical, emotional, and spiritual well being. Infused water is a popular and efficient delivery system for the properties of this stone. Water can be infused directly or indirectly. Make sure that the stone you’re infusing your water with is nontoxic if you plan to use the direct infusion method. Making infused water is a fairly simple process. Once you've cleansed your crystal, take a second to really think about what you're trying to accomplish with your elixir, hold it in your hand, and give it your intention. Once you feel that it's ready, insert the stone into a glass jar. Next, fill the jar with clean drinking water, preferably distilled water as it will not contain any heavy metals, chlorine, or fluoride that can work against the infusion process or be bad for your long term health. Take the jar outside and let it absorb the solar energy or lunar energy from either the sun or moon; depending on the energy you're trying to instill in your water, both will work. After a day or a night, the vibrations of your rhodochrosite will rearrange the molecules in the water, as well as become enhanced from the energy of the light source you've chosen to charge it with. You now have infused water that you can add to other beverages, or drink directly to ingest the energy of your crystal. It can also be applied topically to areas you'd like to treat directly. If the crystal you're working with is toxic, or you're not absolutely sure it's safe to be ingested, you can use the indirect method. This is essentially the same, except you place your crystal in a smaller vessel or bag, and set that in a larger jar or glass bowl during the charging process. Its energies will still be instilled in the water even without direct contact with the water you will be ingesting. 

Physical Uses: Elixirs aren't the only way to utilize the healing effects of rhodochrosite. Just bringing the stone into your auric field will create a vibrational shift that will bring the same feelings of love and acceptance you'd hope to receive when working with this powerful stone. Carrying or wearing this stone can also be very effective. Tumbled stones can be carried in the pocket to bring its energies with you throughout the day. Worry stones are a great option as well. Whenever you feel like you can use an extra boost of love, holding the stone in your hand and rubbing it will allow the owner to absorb the love. It can be worn as jewelry, providing some aesthetic appeal as well as the general properties. Wearing it on a necklace over the heart chakra can help to keep it clear and active, connecting the upper and lower chakras, and providing an efficient energy network from the energetic self, through the body, and down into the earth that keeps us level headed and grounded. Another effective way to use this stone is to simply place it in your home, providing a sense of love and acceptance in the room or even the entire home it's placed in. Again, there is no wrong way to utilize the soothing nature of this stone, and it may be best for you to try all of the methods listed above, and see what works best for you. 

Conclusion

No matter what your life looks like, or what you plan to do with it, one thing that everyone can use more of is love. So many issues could be solved simply by letting go of things that don't contribute to our lives, and replacing them with a sense of compassion and joy. Whether it be on a personal scale, a business level, or even in reference to the way the world is run, love is the end all be all solution to all problems. Rhodochrosite is the quintessential stone of peace, acceptance, and harmony. I believe that true happiness starts within, and once we've achieved a state of true self love, we can start to apply that love to others, creating a cycle that can perpetuate itself throughout the world, a ripple effect that starts with one and grows exponentially, spreading across the globe. Sometimes it can be easy to get caught up in the little things, or let go of the things that haven't gone our way, and making our lives the way we want them will always take work, but this stone can be a real boost in the right direction, as a good way to get the ball rolling towards a happy, healthy life. Rhodochrosite will alight your physical and spiritual bodies, and cleanse, align, and activate your chakras, all while filling you with a sense of joy that most of us haven't felt since we were kids. Whether worn, drank, carried, or even looked at, this stone will put you on the path to true enlightenment, which starts with love of self, love of others, and love of this beautiful world we share. Bring this stone into your life, and let it show you how to go back to the place we all started, the sense of happiness that we all carried as little innocent children before we understood anything but positivity and joy, and let it guide you into a new, confident, affirmative future, and don't look back.