The Crystal Vaults Comprehensive Illustrated Guide to Crystals

Your On-Line Guide to

The Healing Energies, Metaphysical Properties,

Legendary Uses and Meaning

of

Rhodonite

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Introduction to the Meaning and Uses of Rhodonite

An extraordinary stone of the Heart Chakra, Rhodonite shares more than the lovely rose color of its sister stone, Rhodochrosite. While both lay bare the emotional wounds and scars of the past for healing, restoration and reinvigoration, Rhodochrosite focuses on nurturing the inner self and reclaiming all one was meant to be. Rhodonite, richer in color with effects that are deeper and more lasting, takes up the process and empowers one to reach one’s full potential, focusing one’s gifts and energies outward for the betterment of all. It is a stone of purpose, cooperation and community, altruism and generosity of spirit. It is a talisman to further the “brotherhood of humanity.” [Simmons, 329][Ahsian, 330][Megemont, 155][Melody, 564][Hall, 246]

Rhodonite is highly recognized as an emotional healer and for bringing one back to center during stressful times. It is a crucial “first aid stone” for calming emotional shock and panic, and provides grounded support during the process of dealing with painful issues. Rhodonite has a strong resonance with forgiveness and giving the soul the love it needs in order to heal. It gently releases self-destructive tendencies, festering resentments and anger, and allows one to see both sides of an issue to reach conciliation. It encourages the love of others, and aligning with the spirituality of the universe in order to recognize one’s purpose and how one’s gifts and abilities may be used to effect change on Earth. [Melody, 564][Hall, 246-247][101 Hall, 170]

Rhodonite is a manganese inosilicate (chain silicate) and member of the Pyroxenoid group of minerals. It primarily occurs in massive or granular habits, compact groupings, coxcomb aggregates, and rarely as transparent crystals in thick tabular form, often with rounded edges. In massive form, Rhodonite is most often rose-pink to red with black dendritic veins or patches of manganese oxide running through it, though it can also be orange-red or brownish-red. The rare transparent crystals are red or red-orange, seldom exceed 1 gm in weight, and can be cut into excellent gems. [en.wikipedia.org][www.ereferencedesk.com][www.minerals.net][www.gemdat.org][Simmons, 329]

Rhodonite was first discovered in the 1790’s in the Ural Mountains of Russia near Maloe Sidelnikovo, and was called orletz by the locals, Russian for “the Eagle Stone” because people began to notice eagles in the region often carried small pieces of the stone to their nests. It soon became tradition to place small Rhodonite stones in their babies’ cradles as well. The custom was later extended to giving Rhodonite to travelers as a protective stone. Massive blocks of orletz containing Rhodonite and other manganese minerals weighing up to 48 tons apiece were mined from this location and many mines throughout the Urals, used for ornamental carvings, massive inlays and beautiful jewelry made famous by Czars and nobles. It became the national stone of Russia in 1913. [gems.minsoc.ru][www.boliviabella.com][www.malachit.ru][skylineminerals.com]

This mineral was officially named Rhodonite in 1819 by Christoph Friedrich Jasche, from the Greek rhodon, meaning “rose,” and refers to its characteristic pink color. It has been referred to as Peach Blossom Jade, Vermilion Jade, or Pink Marble; and in the Urals as orletz, bakan, Hornstone, or Ruby Spar. It is mined in many locations around the world, including Massachusetts, USA, where it was declared the official state gemstone in 1979. Rhodonite is sometimes confused with the manganese carbonate Rhodochrosite, as well as the high pressure, low temperature polymorph Pyroxmangite. While Rhodochrosite is softer with white banding compared to Rhodonite’s hardness and black veining, Rhodonite and Pyroxmangite share the same general composition and x-ray studies may be needed to make a distinction. [Melody En, 691][www.mindat.org][gems.minsoc.ru][www.gemselect.com][www.ereferencedesk.com]

Rhodonite Uses and Purposes

Hold Rhodonite to dispel anxiety and remain centered in challenging situations. It is ideal for alerting one to circumstances where something, or someone, is not as it seems, and provides the “wake up call” needed to do something positive about it. Use Rhodonite to hold back insults and recognize that revenge and retaliation are self-destructive. In times of danger, it is particularly useful to promote calm and to ameliorate panic. [Melody, 564][Melody En, 692][Hall, 247][101 Hall, 170]

Rhodonite creates an engaging aura and protects against envy and jealousy. It is highly effective for reducing childhood jealousies between siblings that often spoil their adult relationships. Use Rhodonite to avoid arguments over shared assets, such as an inheritance. [Megemont, 156]

Wear, carry or place Rhodonite in any area to balance emotions and nurture feelings of love. Utilize it in the workplace to increase self-assurance and overcome feelings of inadequacies, and keep in areas where family relaxes, to calm children, teenagers and adults who have trouble controlling their temper, swear or constantly argue. It is highly effective for learning to take back projections that blame others for what is really inside the self. [Eason, 58][Hall, 247]

Use Rhodonite to regain equilibrium, both emotionally and physically, after a period of grief or loss, major illness, financial disappointment, heartache or intense unhappiness. Wear Rhodonite jewelry after a breakup to learn to love yourself and value your own company. It is exceptional for healing the mental scars of violence, relieving the pain of unrequited love, or the obsession for a love who would never leave an existing relationship. [Eason, 58][Lembo, 301]  

Rhodonite assists in the healing of speech and hearing, and makes one more sensitive to sounds and music. It is also reputed to give the wearer the ability to learn languages more easily. [Eason, 58][www.boliviabella.com]

Use Rhodonite to transmute lust and excessive libido into a loving exchange of passionate sexual energy, and to assist in achieving tantric union. [101 Hall, 170] 

Rhodonite is a wonderful talisman for service personnel, peacekeepers and aid workers, as well as those who live in or near war zones. To send positive energy, set a dish of tumbled Rhodonites or a Rhodonite egg next to a picture of the war-torn area or loved one serving overseas. Light a rose candle, name those you wish to bless, and let the candle burn out. [Eason, 58]

Rhodonite Healing Therapies – Overview

(Please note: Information on this web site is no substitute for consulting a health care professional. All information contained on this web site, including information relating to medical and health conditions, products and treatments, is for informational purposes only. Please see your doctor or health care professional before starting any alternative treatments, diets, supplements or exercise programs.)

Rhodonite Physical Healing Energy

Rhodonite is an outstanding stone for the restoration of physical energy that has been drained due to emotional trauma/drama and may be used as an aid to help reverse mineral depletion. It supports the flow of chi throughout the meridians of the body, directing essential strength to the endocrine system which increases one’s energy and vitality. It strengthens the muscles and heart, and stimulates circulation. Though not a purifier in itself, Rhodonite boosts the organs and glands, allowing them to purify the body more effectively. It is thought to assist in ridding the body of gallstones or kidney stones, and can support the healing of the liver from disease or damage. [Mella, 102][Ahsian, 330][Gienger, 73][Melody, 565]

Rhodonite contains manganese and is considered one of the best stones for healing injuries, cuts, and bleeding wounds, and for soothing insect bites and stings. It may be useful for reducing scar tissue or birth marks, and aiding skin conditions due to allergies. [Gienger, 73][Hall, 247][101 Hall, 170][Eason, 58]

Traditionally used to calm stomach ulcers, Rhodonite is also believed to aid in treatments for auto-immune diseases, soothing inflammation of the joints and arthritis, easing symptoms of emphysema and other chronic or progressive lung conditions. Rhodonite encourages bone growth, and placed behind the ears fine-tunes auditory vibrations to assist hearing and relieve tinnitus. [Hall, 247][101 Hall, 170][Gienger, 73][Melody, 565][Eason, 58]

Rhodonite is reputed to help relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, as well as some forms of multiple sclerosis, when used in conjunction with Rhodochrosite and provided one continues to follow standard medical treatments. For energetic healing, drink one 8-ounce glass of Rhodochrosite water every day for two weeks, followed by the same amount of Rhodonite water every day for three weeks. For another week, massage the hands with a polished Rhodonite stone. (We highly recommend the indirect method of preparation for internal elixirs.) Rhodonite is also reported to relieve the trembling after heavy drinking, though it is not a cure for alcoholism and must be used in conjunction with standard medical treatments, which may include counseling and/or medication. [Megemont, 153, 156]

Rhodonite Emotional Healing Energy

Rhodonite is an ideal stone for processing and dispelling emotional pain. It clears away wounds and scars of the past, releasing abusive and self-destructive behaviors, feelings of hatred, anger or resentment, and allows one to see both sides of an issue. It encourages mutual understanding and opens one to forgiveness and reconciliation. It is a marvelous stone for turning back insults and understanding that retaliation and revenge only hurt the self. Rhodonite can be used in past-life healing to deal with betrayal and abandonment, and is especially empowering for those who are generally passive to act on their need for healing. Rhodonite brings balance to the emotional body, increasing self-esteem and confidence, and helps one to recognize and value their gifts and talents, and to expand them to their highest potential in order to help others. [Margherita, 531][Hall, 247][101 Hall, 170][Ahsian, 330][Gienger, 73]

Rhodonite Chakra Healing and Balancing Energy

Rhodonite is associated with Anahata, the Heart Chakra, which relates to peace, decision-making, love, compassion and psychic healing. [www.gemselect.com]

In shades of pink or light scarlet, Rhodonite crystals reflect the Light of the heart and love, and stimulate the Heart Chakra located near the center of the breastbone. The Heart Chakra regulates our interaction with the external world and controls what we embrace and what we resist. It gives us the balancing ability to be ourselves within the environment, and helps in our relationships.

Rhodonite Spiritual Energy

Rhodonite is a wonderful crystal for balancing the yin-yang energy, and helping one attune to the spirituality of the universe. It is a stone of great love and giving of oneself for the betterment of humanity. It is ideal for grounding one’s spiritual practice and inspiring ways to integrate that spirituality into everyday life so one’s heartfelt connection with the Divine becomes evident in one’s daily interaction with others. [Melody, 564][Ahsian, 330][Lembo, 300]

Rhodonitee Color Energy

Red Rhodonite brings a self-confidence built on fearlessness. It reflects the color of passion, energy, and life. It motivates. It is a very strong color – the color of fire and blood. Dark Red crystals embody strong, deep feelings, durable energy and quiet passion. It is a masculine color, particularly useful for increasing devotion and seeing the seriousness of life.

Light Red or Pink Rhodonite brings the subtle, more feminine energy rays of determination, commitment, and caring. The soothing color calms feelings of anger or resentment, and can aid efforts to meditate and reflect. Pink is the color of new love, new romance and new relationships. It increases developing sensuality, and can help overcome heartache, improving our caring and loving abilities.

Scarlet Rhodonite, with its red-orange rays, reflects the color of strength and vitality, both physical and spiritual. Scarlet crystals are amulets of protection from physical harm. They help overcome fear and improve self-reliance, and are the crystals of victory, success, and skill. Lighter shades of scarlet, the lightly tinted red-oranges, are excellent talismans of dedication in young relationships. They combine the pink energy of romantic love with the light orange energy of contentment with family and friends. Dark Scarlet crystals are the key to physical pleasures of maturity – in love, in life, and in relationships. Muted with brown, deep scarlet crystals give us the natural sources of energy to enjoy life’s pleasures that extend past the joyfulness of youth.

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Meditation with Rhodonite

Rhodonite is ideal for grounding energies during meditation and dreamwork, enhancing the depth, clarity and meaning of one’s inner experiences so the messages behind the dreams and visions can be better understood. Rhodonite can be used to provide a psychic link for guidance in fulfilling one’s personal destiny, and is thought to enhance mantra-based meditations, aligning the soul more closely to the vibration. It may also be used for closing metaphysical gates, and eliminating confusion and doubt. [Simmons, 329-330][Hall, 246][Hall En, 33]

Rhodonite Divination

The Divinatory meaning of Rhodonite: Examine your innermost emotions to determine what you really want to be and who, if anyone, you want to be with. [Eason, 58]

Rhodonite and the Angelic Realm

Rhodonite varies in color from pink to red, red-orange to brownish-orange. If your birthday falls in any of the following periods, a Rhodonite of the color listed can be a valuable conduit to your Guardian Angel. The table also provides the name of the Guardian Angel of those born in the time period.

There are other Angels that are partial to Rhodonite. The table below gives you information about them.

Rhodonite Goddess Crystals

Rhodonite may be used to honor Nisaba, the Summerian Knowledge Goddess and Goddess of the Palace Archives. As a writer, scribe, activist and architect, she is symbolized by an inscribing stylus. She also helps with interpreting dreams.

Birthstones

There are several ways to find an appropriate birthstone. The traditional one is listed first. These are from the popular lists that most people are familiar with. The second way is to find your natural birthstone by the color wheel of life. You can click on the Natural Birthstone graphic below to learn more. Finally many people use the traditional stones of the Zodiac.

In this section you will find information on all three approaches.

Rhodonite Traditional Birthstone

Rhodonite is not a traditional birthstone

Rhodonite Natural Birthstone.

Rhodonite which is red in color is one of the natural birthstones of those born in mid-autumn (October 22 – November 20). Red crystals bring you energy, courage, passion, and love.

Rhodonite which is more scarlet in color is one of the natural birthstones of those born in the first month of autumn (September 23 – October 21). Scarlet crystals bring you strength, vitality, willpower, and dedication.

Rhodonite Zodiac Stone

There is no zodiac stone designated for Rhodonite, though its relationship to Rhodochrosite indicates it would have an affinity to those born under the sign of Scorpio.

Rhodonite Talismans and Amulets

As an amulet of protection, Rhodonite is a powerful Barrier Harmonizer. Barrier crystals have incredible abilities to help us focus and amplify our efforts to keep undesirable elements out of our lives. Its crystalline structure gives it strength in all directions, allowing it to provide barriers to attack from all directions simultaneously.

Harmonizers, called the chain and band silicates, bind together in a long chain, distributing energy in a balanced, long-term way. They encourage efforts aimed at smoothing a path through difficulties, promoting harmonious relationships within a larger group, like family, and a peaceful acceptance of life’s inherent situations.

Rhodonite Feng Shui

Rhodonite in shades of red or scarlet utilizes Fire Energy, the energy of enthusiasm, warmth, brightness, illumination and activity. It is Yang in nature. It is the energy of heat, action, emotion and passion – of ideas, of concepts, and sex. It is traditionally associated with the south area of a home or room, and with the fame and reputation area of your dwelling. Use its energy to give your life the boost it needs to enhance your standing in the community and within your family.

Rhodonite that is pink in color is Yin in nature, associated with love, romance, and motherhood. Use it in the southwest area of a room or home to bring the feminine energy of growth and maternal love alive.

Rhodonite is an excellent tool for balancing yin and yang energies of an area, and can be placed in the center of the home to attract and direct the flow of love and energy. For help in determining which areas need balance, hold a Rhodonite massage wand in the hand you write with and walk around the home. If energies are too yang, you will feel a surge in your fingers; if too yin, the wand will feel lifeless. If the energies are balanced, you will experience tranquility. In areas which are too yang, set a Rhodonite that is more black than pink, and use the reverse if an area feels too yin. [Eason, 58]

Rhodonite in Ancient Lore and Legend

In antiquity, light emanations from the planets or fixed stars, or from the combination of the stars in a zodiac sign was considered to have a peculiar and intimate connection with the fate of one country over another. This special influence was thought to be exceptionally potent to those born in that country and would have a greater talismanic power for those native born. Rhodonite was the talismanic gem of Russia. [Kunz, 364]

Rhodonite was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1790’s near the village of Maloe Sidelnikovo. The locals called it orletz, “the Eagle Stone,” after noticing eagles in the region carried small pieces of Rhodonite to their nests. Soon after, the inhabitants began placing small pieces of the stone in their babies’ cribs, in hopes their children would grow as strong and free as the great eagle. It later became customary to give Rhodonite to travelers as a protective stone, believing it would make the traveler’s heart beat faster if danger approached. [www.malachit.ru][skylineminerals.com][www.etsy.com][www.boliviabella.com]

For centuries, Rhodonite has been highly esteemed for use in jewelry, and Russian nobles wore lavish pieces made from this locally mined mineral. A favorite stone among the Czars, it was formed into service platters and often given as a gift during royal weddings, carved into wonderful ornamental objects, and used as decorative stone, mosaics and inlays in places of importance. In St. Petersburg, the Church of the Savior on Blood and The Winter Palace both have panels and decorative pieces of Rhodonite, and the wife of Czar Alexander II, Maria Alexandrovna, is entombed in a 12 ton sarcophagus carved from Rhodonite. Rhodontie inlay was used to decorate the Moscow Metro, and Mayakovskaya Station, built between 1935 and 1938, had over 80 square meters of columns adorned with Rhodonite inlay. [101 Hall, 170][www.barlowsgems.net][www.gemselect.com]www.mindat.org]

Rhodonite was not only valuable in jewelry and as objets d’art in the Russian and European markets with many pieces being made by the House of Fabrege, but also had ties to the American Gem Company, part of Tiffany & Co., who used Rhodonite from Massachusetts, USA, for making knife and umbrella handles, as well as fine dinnerware. It was also used for a time as flux welding rods and later mined as a gemstone. It was declared the official gemstone of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1979. [www.ereferencedesk.com][en.wikipedia.org][www.boliviabella.com]

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Footnote References

The symbols [  ] enclose the author’s name and a page number for a reference cited from the following books:

[Ahsian, pp.] Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian, The Book of Stones (Berkley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2007).

[Altman, pp.] Jennifer Altman, Gem and Stone: Jewelry of Earth, Sea, and Sky. (San Francisco, Chronicle Books, 2012)

[Eason, pp. ]Cassandra Eason, The New Crystal Bible (London: Carlton Books Ltd., 2010).

[Fernie, pp.] William T. Fernie, The Occult and Curative Powers of Precious Stones (Blauvelt, NY: Rudolph Steiner Publications, 1973).

[Gienger, pp.] Michael Gienger, Healing Crystals (Scotland: Earthdancer Books, 2009).

[Hall, pp.] Judy Hall, The Crystal Bible (Cincinnati, OH: Walking Stick Press, 2003).

[Hall 2, pp.]Judy Hall, The Crystal Bible 2 (Cincinnati, OH: Walking Stick Press, 2009).

[Hall III, pp.] Judy Hall, 101 Power Crystals (Beverly, MA: Fair Winds Press, 2011).

[Kunz, pp.] George Frederick Kunz, The Curious Lore of Precious Stones (New York: Dover Publications, 1971).

[Lembo, pp.] Margaret Lembo The Essential Guide to Crystals, Minerals, & Stones (Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Worldwide, 2013).

[Lecouteux, pp.] Claude Lecouteux, A Lapidary of Sacred Stones (Rochester, VT: Inner Traditions, U.S. edition, 2012).

[Margherita,pp.] Margherita, The Crystal Lotus Handbook (Ontario, Canada: The Crystal Lotus, 2010).

[Megemont, pp.] Florence Megemont, The Metaphysical Book of Gems and Crystals (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2008).

[Mella, pp.] Dorothee L. Mella, Stone Power II (Albuquerque, NM: Brotherhood of Life, Inc., 1986).

[Melody, pp.] Melody, Love Is In The Earth (Wheat Ridge, CO: Earth-Love Publishing House, 1995).

[Raphaell, pp.] Katrina Raphaell, Crystal Enlightenment (Santa Fe, NM: Aurora Press, 1985)

[Simmons, pp.] Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian, The Book of Stones (Berkley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2007).