Rhodonite is a manganese inosilicate (chain silicate) and primarily occurs in massive or granular habits. Rhodonite gets its name from the Greek rhodos, meaning rosy. It commonly occurs with a rose-red color, but often tends to brown because of surface oxidation. Rhodonite was first discovered in Russia in the 1790's. The locals called it the Eagle Stone because they began to notice that eagles in the region carried small pieces of the stone to their nest. It soon became tradition to place small Rhodonite stones in the cradles of their own babies. The custom later extended to giving Rhodonite to travelers as a protection stone. Rhodonite is the official gemstone of Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as the national stone of Russia. Metaphysically, Rhodonite is recognized as an emotional healer, and can bring one back to center during stressful times. It is good for calming emotional shock and panic, and provides grounded support during the healing process of painful issues.