Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite is an ornamental stone with a pink color called "layette" with white zonations called "fangs" which inspired the name of this stone.

It is a carbonate colored with manganese. Be careful not to confuse it with rhodonite, which belongs to the silicate group and is visually different because of its black zonations.

Rhodochrosite is usually found as an ornamental stone but it can also be found in gem quality which is very rare. It is then pink-red in color and is quite expensive.

Rhodochrosite was discovered in the 13th century in Argentina during the pre-Columbian era, in the northwest of the country, then part of the Inca Empire, in copper and silver production mines. Many Inca myths surround this fascinating stone.