The second most important ornamental stone of the Urals is rhodonite, since the first place belongs to the famous malachite. And its name comes from the Greek "Rhodes", which means "pink" or "rose". And it corresponds to the color of this mineral, as rhodonite stones can be pink, scarlet and raspberry, sometimes with a gray tint. This color of this mineral is associated with the presence of a large amount of manganese in its composition. But it is not homogeneous. It happens that on one stone there are bright red, and dark brown-red, and medium in brightness tones. This color depends on the percentage of other minerals in it. That is, the less impurities in it, the more beautiful rhodonite is, a stone, the photo of which is shown below.
Some of these minerals contain streaks of manganese oxides that are black in color. And on a pink background, they form beautiful and complex drawings, and sometimes entire landscapes. Also, stones that resemble ribbon jasper come across, brown, black, pink and gray stripes alternate on them. Mineral rhodonite is found in nature in small quantities quite often. But there are few large deposits of this mineral. In Russia, two such were discovered back in the 18th and 19th centuries. For many years they provided material for the production of rhodonite bowls, vases, floor lamps, obelisks, amulets and other crafts. Many of them are now kept in the Hermitage.
For example, rhodonite stones were used to make world-famous floor lamps, the height of which is 280 centimeters. And now they decorated the main staircase of the Hermitage. Also in this museum is an equally famous oval vase made of Ural rhodonite. Its height is 85 centimeters and a diameter of 185 centimeters. And in St. Petersburg, in the Cathedral of Peter and Paul is the most precious product, which is made of this stone. This is the sarcophagus of Princess Maria Alexandrovna. A whole block of rhodonite, which weighed 47 tons, went to its manufacture. And after the excess stone was removed, there was a sarcophagus weighing 7 tons.
There is still an opinion that rhodonite stones have some mystical properties. For example, according to magicians and psychics, this mineral is capable of awakening a desire to live in a desperate person, encouraging it and directing it to the path of creation. Therefore, they use balls made of rhodonite during their meditations. And in Europe, other properties are attributed to this stone. They believe that he is able to awaken secret, hidden talents in a person, as well as develop them and help him achieve fame and glory. In the east, it is believed that rhodonite stones awaken love, there this stone is compared with mercy and compassion. And the person who owns it begins to feel softer towards others, becomes joyful and cheerful. Rhodonite is considered a wise gem that teaches you to perceive life with gratitude. A successful talisman would be a bracelet made of it. Carrying it on your left hand, you can strengthen your memory, concentration and constantly receive additional energy. Rhodonite is also a talisman of creative personalities and young people who strive for victories.