mineral

Aura Quartz (Pink/Rose Aura Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) bonded with Platinum and/or Silver

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Iridescent pink/magenta with metallic sheen, Luster: Vitreous to metallic (dichroic), Crystal Structure: Trigonal (hexagonal prisms), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Identified March 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through a modern industrial process called CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition). Natural clear quartz is heated in a vacuum and bonded with vaporized precious metals (platinum/silver) to create a permanent metallic coating.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in decorative arts, jewelry making, and metaphysical/holistic practices. Also popular in mineral collecting as a 'man-made enhancement' specimen.

Geological facts

While the quartz core is natural and millions of years old, the color is artificial. It is often mistaken for Rose Quartz, but Rose Quartz gains its color from titanium/manganese inclusions within the crystal lattice, not a surface coating. The first aura treatments were developed by vacuum technicians in the late 20th century.

Field identification & locations

Identify by looking for the 'oil-slick' or rainbow iridescence on the surface of a clear hexagonal crystal. Unlike natural colored minerals, the color of Aura Quartz is strictly a surface layer. Common sources for the base quartz are Arkansas (USA), Brazil, and Madagascar.

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