Gemstone profile and identification guide

Rhodonite

Rhodonite is a Blue, Green phosphate prized for its distinctive beauty, historic appeal, and use in fine jewellery and collector pieces.

6 Mohs Blue, Green Phosphate

Overview

Rhodonite is a Blue, Green phosphate prized for its distinctive beauty, historic appeal, and use in fine jewellery and collector pieces.

Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.

Identification

Name: Rhodonite

Scientific classification: Phosphate

Hardness: 6 Mohs

Transparency: transparent

Lustre: vitreous

Crystal system: Triclinic

Primary colour: Blue

Secondary colour: Green

Colour family: Blues & Cyans

Physical Properties

Hardness category: medium

Hardness value: 6 Mohs

Chemical composition: Hydrated copper aluminum phosphate (CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8?4H2O)

Crystal system: Triclinic

Common locations: United States, Iran, China, Egypt

Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.

Colour Variations

Rhodonite is classified within the blues & cyans palette. Primary colour: blue. Secondary colour: green.

Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.

Formation

Forms in arid regions when copper-rich solutions percolate through aluminum-rich rocks.

Origin

United States, Iran, China, Egypt

Uses

Best for: Jewellery, displays, and design accents.

Ideal uses: Versatile collections and polished showcases.

Related gemstones by colour

Related gemstones by hardness

Gemstones from the same mineral family

Commonly confused gemstones

Rhodonite FAQ

How can I identify Rhodonite?

Compare hardness (6 Mohs), crystal system (Triclinic), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.

What colour range does Rhodonite appear in?

Rhodonite is classified within the blues & cyans palette. Primary colour: blue. Secondary colour: green.

Where is Rhodonite commonly used?

Versatile collections and polished showcases.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.