Rhodochrosite is a great stone for jewelry with the exception of its hardness which is low (3.5-4) Most times it is cut into cabs, but when found in very transparent varieties it is occasionally cut into faceted stones (which would probably be too soft to actually set). The most common type one sees in the market is the variety that forms in stalactitic masses which has alternating parallel lines of white and pink or white and red. Much of this sort of material comes from Argentina. The very last picture on the page shows a nice translucent gel cab. Sometimes you will pay a premium for such stones.

Interestingly, in 2002, the mineral was named the Colorado state mineral, specifically because of the Sweet Home Mine where superb huge red crystals of this mineral have been located. If you ever get a chance, visit the Denver Museum of Natural and Science, where the biggest single Rhodochrosite crystal ever found is located, as seeing it in person is truly impressive. Don't forget to check out their whole mineral collection as well, as it is a pretty good one.

I have not cut Rhodochrosite before, so I can't comment on its character during cutting.