Pink Rhodonite

Taking its name from the Greek word rhodos, meaning “pink”, rhodonite is popular with jewelry enthusiasts and gem collectors alike. Its rose-pink body is laced with black veins of manganese oxide, called dendrites, which form band, dots or intricate web-like patterns. In color, rhodonite is similar to rhodochrosite, but rhodonite is distinguished by its dendrites. In addition, it is harder wearing and more acid resistant than rhodochrosite, and thus better for jewelry.

In antiquity rhodonite was given to travelers as a protective stone. It was said to warn them of imminent danger by causing the heartbeat to accelerate suddenly. It is helpful in keeping a clear, calm mind in tense situations and in coping with changing circumstances. It is linked to the star sign of Taurus and should be discharged every two weeks under running water and then recharged by being placed in the sun for a few hours.




Rhodonite: Peace, generosity, attention to details.

For this and many other designs to purchase visit our collections.
*Research from gem-mineral-crystal books.

What is Rhodonite

Old world folklore legend has it that the gemstone Rhodonite was once used to make service platters in Russia, often being given as a gift during royal czarist weddings. The word Rhodonite comes from the Greek word rhodon, meaning ‘rose’. In antiquity it was given to travelers as a protection stone. It was said to warn them from imminent danger by causing the heart-beat to accelerate suddenly.

Physical and healing powers of Rhodonite are believed to decrease and increase attention to detail and have a calming effect and cope with changing circumstances, it is thought to be helpful during examinations and prevents mental blocks. It increases language skills and raises self-esteem.

It is normally created by metamorphosis in manganese ore mines where it forms chain silicate triclinic crystals, with black flecks formed by inclusions of manganese dioxide. Colors of Rhodonite are typically deep pink to mauve with inclusions of black, although some stones can be red, orange, or completely black.

It is considered the astrological birthstone for Scorpio and the star sign of Taurus. It can be found in South Africa, Australia, China, United States, Mexico, and regions of Urals.

For more gemstone jewelry check out Timeless Designs.

Gemstones Raw & Finsished

I get asked all the time “What does this stone look like raw?” I’ve made it one of my goals this year to collect some of my favorites and most used stones in their raw form. I’ll be adding them to pictures with their finished partners, as displays at shows and of course talking about them here on this blog. Here’s the first of a many to come that I’ve collected from Tucson and also a local lapidary shop.



Red Mexican Lace Agate
A common, semiprecious type of chalcedony agate is the compact, microcrystalline variety of quartz. This variety is mined in Mexico and named for it’s deep red banding matrix that gives the stone an almost ‘lacy’ effect.




Rhononite
This stone gets its name from the Greek word rhodon, meaning “rose”, which is the mineral’s typical color. It occurs as rounded crystals, masses or grains, and is often coated or veined black with manganese oxides.



Kyanite
Known more for its deep dark blue coloring, Kyanite occurs principally as elongated, flattened blades, and less commonly as shaped beads or pendants.



Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is one of the oldest, most treasured of all gemstones. Its name is a combination of the Latin lapis for “stone” and the Arabic azul for “sky” or the ancient Persian lazhuward for “blue”. It usually occurs as pockets of white marble with spots or matrix of pyrite.

Wire Links & Gemstone Beads into Jewelry

Purple and Pink mixed with Black and Silver. This is a favorite necklace set of mine in my Etsy shop, available for purchase.

The links are made of two different kinds of wire; the black wires are 20 gauge and the non-tarnish silver are 18 gauge wires. They are both scrolled into an open type “S” style link, all done by hand. I then connected those using stainless steel oval jumprings, giving them flexible movement. Each scroll link has a purple marbled Jasper gemstone bead; which has been cut as an oblong tube, giving dimension to the shape of the necklace. Additional “S” links were hand scrolled in non-tarnish silver wire and accented with nice dark round Rhodonite gemstone beads.

Completing the set are dangle earrings highlighted in non-tarnish silver wire and featuring a Rhodonite bead. This makes a lovely gift for anyone and comes in a silver giftbox. Interested in just the earrings or just the necklace? Contact Timeless Designs for seperate piece pricing.

Drop by my Etsy shop to see this and other wire designs.