Beads and cabochons made of imitation rhodochrosite are in the gem and jewelry market. They are made from powdered mineral matter, in pink and white colors, and bound together with resin. The powders are layered and swirled together to produce a banded appearance similar to much natural rhodochrosite.

To the unaided eye, the material looks similar to rhodochrosite. If you have seen a lot of rhodochrosite, you will suspect it is imitation, but people who have not seen a lot might think it is natural rhodochrosite.

With a microscope the pink material is translucent, with sugary internal reflections visible through the polished surfaces. Round depressions in the polished surface appear to be bubbles. Broken surfaces have a granular, sugary texture. Cold hydrochloric acid produces a weak effervescence that is strongest on the white bands. SG: 1.99, H: < 3, RI: 1.55, no birefringence blink.