Description

Rhodochrosite is a Manganese Carbonate mineral. It is typically a rose-red color, but impure specimens can be shades of pink to pale brown. It is used as a key component of low-cost stainless steel and certain Aluminum alloys. Quality banded specimens are often used for decorative stones and jewelry, although it is relatively soft and difficult to cut.  

Lapis is a rock and not a mineral because it is made up from various other minerals. To be a mineral it would have one constituent only, and Lapis has several including Lazurite, Sodium, Aluminum, Silicon, Oxygen, Sulfur and Chlorine. Most Lapis contains Calcite, Sodalite and Pyrite. The best color is an intense blue that is lightly dusted with small flecks of Pyrite. Lapis takes an excellent polish and has been made into jewelry, carvings, boxes, mosaics and ornamental objects.