While pinkish-red rhodonite crystals are sometimes found in sizes large enough for faceting, their less than ideal durability makes them more suitable for mineral collectors than inclusion within gem-set jewelry. The mineral is instead usually encountered as a massive pink material with distinctive black veins of manganese oxide, which can be fashioned into cabochons, tumbled stones, inlays or carvings. In this massive form, rhodonite is sometimes confused with the similarly-named rhodochrosite, but is identifiable by its lack of reaction with acids, superior hardness, and the fact that the bands and veins contained within rhodochrosite are usually white rather than black. However, both materials share the feature of being colored a similar shade of pink by their fundamental manganese content.

Named after the Greek word for “rose-colored”, rhodonite is sourced in Sweden, Australia, Russia and Canada, as well as having been designated as the official state gemstone for Massachusetts.