Rhodonite

Rhodonite is often confused with the mineral rhodochrosite, and for good reason. First, their names are confusingly similar, having both come from the Greek word for rose. Second, they can look pretty similar too, coming in matching shades of pink or red. Finally, they’re often sold side-by-side as beads, carvings, and tumbled rocks, in such a way as to make them seem almost interchangeable. But these stones are actually quite different at heart. Their chemical makeups are different, and rhodonite is a harder rock that often has black or gray veins or splotches. Many assume both minerals symbolize romance and open heartedness, but this rock, with its hardness and black spots, is more aligned with hearts that have been hurt. If your own heart has been scarred by the past, rhodonite is here with an important message: It wants you to know that a heart darkened or hardened by pain is every bit as precious and lovable as one that’s unmarred, and just as capable of loving others too. In fact, many would say it’s even more so.