Rhodonite

Rhodonite is a manganese inosilicate and a member of the pyroxenoid group of minerals. It typically has a rose-red color (the name comes from the Greek word for “rosy”).

A greyish-brown variety containing calcium oxide is called bustamite; fowlerite is a variety containing zinc oxide.

Pink rhodonite contrasting with black manganese oxides is sometimes used as gemstone material as seen in this specimen from Humboldt County, Nevada.

Rhodonite is often used an ornamental stone, and the official gemstone of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.. Because of it’s color it is sometimes confused with rhodochrosite.