mineral

Rose Quartz

Silicon dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: pale pink to rose red; Luster: vitreous; Crystal system: Hexagonal (Trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: pale pink to rose red
Luster: vitreous

Identified June 18, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: pale pink to rose red; Luster: vitreous; Crystal system: Hexagonal (Trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Forms primarily in igneous pegmatites through the crystallization of magma containing high concentrations of silica and trace amount of titanium, iron, or manganese, which provides the pink color.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in jewelry, ornamental carvings, decorative figurines, and as a popular semi-precious gemstone for metaphysical and collecting purposes.

Geological facts

Unlike most other varieties of quartz, rose quartz rarely forms well-defined crystals; it is almost always found in massive form. The pink color can fade if exposed to excessive sunlight.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its translucent pink hue and ability to scratch glass. In Ohio (loc. 40.6N, 83.1W), native bedrock is sedimentary, so finding quartz like this often indicates glacial transport from igneous Canadian Shield sources via glaciation.