Massachusetts made rhodonite its state gem on the strength of the material from the Betts Manganese Mine at Plainfield in the Berkshire hills, a rose-pink manganese silicate that takes a high polish and is usually shot through with black manganese oxide veining. The historic workings are small and on PRIVATE ground; the practical way to get Massachusetts rhodonite is through the Berkshire rock shops and the regional mineral clubs, several of which run field trips.
Rhodonite
Other places on the map within a couple of hours.
