mineral

Rose Quartz

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

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink to rose-red; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal), though typically occurs in massive form; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pink to rose-red
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified March 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in late-stage crystallization of pegmatites (igneous) at high temperatures. While quartz can be found in rocks of various ages, large rose quartz deposits are often associated with Precambrian formations.

Uses & applications

Used primarily for ornamental objects, carvings, jewelry (cabs and beads), and as a popular specimen for rock collectors and metaphysical use.

Geological facts

Unlike other varieties of quartz, rose quartz rarely forms well-defined crystal faces and is usually found as a 'massive' chunk. Its unique pink color is believed to be caused by microscopic inclusions of a pink fibrous mineral similar to dumortierite.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive pink hue, glass-like luster, and lack of cleavage planes (instead, it breaks like glass). Commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, South Dakota (USA), and India. To identify in the field, look for pink translucent-to-opaque masses that can scratch glass but cannot be scratched by a steel knife.

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