Rhodusite is a common name for Magnesio-Riebeckite, in the Riebeckite family. The name derives from the ancient Greek city Rhodus, where in the modern Rhodes, is was discovered in late 1800s. The Riebeckite family of species includes Crocidolite and Tigers Eye which is a pseudomorph of Quartz. In Rhodusite, magnesium replaces iron as a primary component in the structure, and rhodusite crystals are often found in quartz structures.
| Chemical Formula | Na2Fe^2+(3)Fe^3+(2)Si(8)O(22)(OH)(2) |
| Color | Dark blue, green, brown, black |
| Hardness | 5 - 5.5 |
| Crystal System | Monoclinic |
| Refractive Index | 1.68Â -Â 1.7 |
| SG | 2.63Â -Â 2.65 |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque |
| Double Refraction | 0.005 - 0.008 |
| Luster | Vitreous to silky |
| Cleavage | 1,2 - prismatic |
| Mineral Class | Silicate |
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