mineral

Rose Quartz

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

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale pink to rose red; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

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

Identified March 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale pink to rose red; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling and crystallization of silica-rich magma in pegmatites or hydrothermal veins. While common throughout geological history, major deposits range from Precambrian to Mesozoic eras.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for ornamental purposes, lapidary arts, jewelry (cabochons and beads), and as a popular specimen for crystal collecting and metaphysical practices.

Geological facts

Rose quartz rarely forms well-defined crystals; it usually occurs in massive form. The pink color is often attributed to microscopic inclusions of fibrous dumortierite. If it contains oriented needle-like inclusions, it can exhibit asterism (a star effect).

Field identification & locations

Identify by its characteristic hazy pink translucency and hardness (will scratch glass). Commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, South Africa, and the United States (South Dakota). To find in the field, look for quartz veins in granite-rich regions.

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