mineral

Rose Quartz

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

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: pale pink to rose red; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

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

Identified March 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: pale pink to rose red; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous pegmatites through the cooling of silica-rich magma; can also be found in hydrothermal veins. Specimens can range from hundreds of millions to billions of years old.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in lapidary work for jewelry, figurines, and beads. Also popular as a decorative stone in landscaping and widely collected by mineral enthusiasts for aesthetic and metaphysical purposes.

Geological facts

Unlike other varieties of quartz, rose quartz rarely forms well-defined crystal faces and is usually found as massive lumps. The 'Girasol' effect (a floating star of light) can sometimes be seen in high-quality specimens due to rutile inclusions.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its characteristic pink hue and glass-like appearance. It cannot be scratched by a steel knife. Common locations include Brazil, Madagascar, South Africa, and the United States (South Dakota).

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