Rose Quartz (likely carved)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Typically translucent to transparent pale pink to rose red. Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to waxy. Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal). Cleavage: None, but exhibits conchoidal fracture. Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Rose Quartz forms in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins, often at high temperatures and pressures. Its pink color is generally attributed to trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese, or sometimes microscopic inclusions of dumortierite. It is typically found in coarse-grained igneous rocks. Geological Age: Varies depending on specific deposit, found in various geological ages.

Rose Quartz is highly valued as a gemstone and ornamental stone, especially for carving and jewelry. It is also used in decorative objects, sculptures (like the one shown, which is a carved animal figure), and is popular in crystal healing and metaphysical practices.

Rose Quartz is a variety of quartz. It rarely forms distinct crystals, usually occurring in massive forms. The pink color can fade with prolonged exposure to sunlight. It is often called the 'stone of universal love'.

In the field, raw Rose Quartz is identified by its characteristic pink color and glassy luster, sometimes with a milky or cloudy appearance. It's often found in massive, irregular chunks within granitic pegmatites. Common locations include Brazil, South Africa, India, Madagascar, and the USA (South Dakota, Maine). Tips for collectors: Look for areas with pegmatite intrusions. Note that the piece in the image is a carved item, not a naturally occurring formation, though it is made from the mineral Rose Quartz. The carving itself would be identified by its shape (e.g., 'carved Rose Quartz animal figure').