mineral

Pink Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pink to rose-red; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Pink to rose-red
Luster: Vitreous/glassy

Identified April 18, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pink to rose-red; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in high-temperature environments, typically in igneous pegmatites or hydrothermal veins as magma cools and silica-rich fluids crystallize. Most specimens are from the Cenozoic era, though occurrences span various ages.

Uses & applications

Primary use is in jewelry (beads, cabochons), home decor, lapidary carvings, and as a popular 'healing' crystal in holistic practices.

Geological facts

The pink color is often caused by trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese. Unlike most quartz crystals, pink quartz rarely forms well-defined crystal faces and usually occurs in massive, indistinct lumps.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its hardness (it will easily scratch glass), its conchoidal (shell-like) fracture, and its distinctive translucent pink hue. Common locations include Brazil, Madagascar, and South Dakota, USA.