Rhodochrosite, manganese carbonate, is associated with orebodies and occurs in spectacular crystals in a number of localities. Occasionally these are transparent enough to yield faceted gemstones, which are beautiful but too soft and fragile for use in jewelry. The main localities for cuttable rhodochrosite are Alma, Colorado, and the Cape Province of South Africa. The stones pictured weigh about 8-1/2 carats (L, Colorado) and 2-1/2 carats (R, S. Africa)