Rhodochrosite: A Rose-Colored Life
I thought it appropriate to bid goodbye to February – a month filled with chocolates, flowers, and jewelry thanks to Valentine’s Day – sharing a bit about the gemstone rhodochrosite.
Rhodochrosite – with its gorgeous pink hues reminiscent of romantic summer sunsets on the Currituck Sound or early morning skies awash with color at dawn – is a gemstone brimming in lore and known for various healing properties. For me, the hues and striations of the stone also remind me of canyon walls in the southwest…and the panoramic vistas…landscapes I have been fortunate to enjoy while traveling in search of Native American made gemstone jewelry.
Rhodochrosite is known for possessing healing properties including drawing love to the wearer. It is said to be both the most gentle as well as the most vibrant loving stone to heal the heart chakra – or anahata – associated with the thymus gland which is responsible for hormone production and the regulation of the immune system. Often sought out for clearing and balancing, rhodochrosite gemstones are also thought to help to rid the body of the irritants and toxicities thought to exacerbate challenges that lead to disordered eating, asthma and other respiratory problems...and even improving eyesight!
Curiously – the word rhodochrosite means rose-colored – a term used to describe a sense of optimism and seeing something in a positive way. And while the connection between health and positivity is not crystal clear (no pun intended!), some studies suggest that people with a more positive outlook may be better protected against the inflammatory damage of stress in addition to making healthier life decisions and focusing more on long-term goals. In short, being more resilient – a positive state where we feel as though we are flourishing rather than floundering, thriving rather than thrashing. And if rhodochrosite simply brings more happiness to YOUR life, then (quite frankly) I’m in!
My personal preference in these beautiful semi precious stones leans towards lots of swirls and striations since this adds character to the pendant, bracelet, and earrings, making them truly original. Oddly enough, my rhodochrosite pendant is deep rose and crystalline in nature, with no striations at all. In this instance, the pendant seemed to choose me (versus it being my choice)!
If you want to see an exquisite example of artisan cutting and polishing the rhodochrosite stone to balance and match the stones, I invite you to see the rhodochrosite gemstone jewelry showcased here at Beach Treasures Online as well as in our shop, Beach Treasures in Duck located exclusively on the Town of Duck’s Boardwalk on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I found some beautifully matched stones while in Tucson at the Gem and Jewelry shows just a few weeks ago!