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 1, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

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

Forms primarily in igneous pegmatites through the slow cooling of silica-rich magma; can also occur in hydrothermal veins. Specimens can range from millions to over a billion years old.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in lapidary work for cabochons, beads, and carvings; ornamental decor; and highly valued in the metaphysical community as the stone of unconditional love.

Geological facts

Unlike most other varieties of quartz which form large well-defined crystals, rose quartz usually occurs in massive crystalline form without distinct crystal faces. The pink hue is often attributed to microscopic inclusions of a pink fibrous mineral similar to dumortierite.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct pink hue, lack of cleavage, and the way it scratches glass. It is commonly found in Brazil, South Africa, India, and Madagascar; in the US, significant deposits are in South Dakota.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral