Rhodonite
Rhodonite is a pink manganese silicate that often also includes iron, magnesium, and calcium. The most sought after and highest quality is nearly translucent and contains very little manganese. The black manganese provides the signature contrasting black as dendrites, fracture fillings, or matrix all which make for dramatic cabochons and some interesting landscape patterns. Although rhodonite has a reputation of being hard to polish, it usually polishes nicely with diamond, or chrome oxide.
