mineral

Rose Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale pink to rose red; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (usually found in massive form, rarely as crystals); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale pink to rose red
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed at high temperatures in deep-seated igneous pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. The color is attributed to microscopic inclusions of pink borosilicate fibers (dumortierite-related). Specimens can be billions of years old depending on the host rock.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (cabochons and beads), ornamental carvings, and widely sold as a lapidary material. It is also a popular specimen for crystal collecting and metaphysical practices.

Geological facts

Unlike clear quartz which forms visible points, rose quartz is typically found in massive chunks. A famous unique trait is 'asterism', where rutile inclusions can cause a six-rayed star effect when cut into a sphere or cabochon.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its characteristic pink hue, high hardness (will scratch glass), and lack of cleavage planes. Common locations include Brazil, South Africa, Madagascar, and the Black Hills of South Dakota, USA.

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