Rocks that start with "rhodo" comes from greek "rhodos" or rosy. Usually because of a pink or redish coloring. Rhodonite is typically pink with rough bands of black or silvery colored manganese. Because of it's color (liked by the ladies,) it's a popular semi-precious stone for jewelry. It is fairly hard and takes a nice polish with chrome oxide.

I've never found any rhodonite in the wild, nor do I believe it's found in the southwestern US. Instead I've acquired a few pieces from other collectors, and even some that I've been carting around since I was a young lad that my dad probably bought for me in one of his travels.

For more information on rhodonite, visit here.