Rhodochrosite crystallizes in the form of masses, grains, columns, crusts, botryodial and globular aggregates which are concentrically banded, thick tabular and prismatic crystals, rare rhombohedral crystals, and rare crystals with rounded striated faces. The colour-range includes pale pink to deep red, yellow, tan, orange, grey, and brown. Those crystals in the rose colour-range are highly collectable. The mineral was first reported in 1813 by J.F.L. Hausmann and was named from the Greek words meaning "rose colour". referring to the colour of first discovery.
 
The chemical composition is: MnCO3
Hardness: 3.5 - 4