mineral

Rose Quartz

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

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

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Light pink to rose-red
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified March 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Formed in late-stage cooling of magmatic pegmatites (igneous origin) or occasionally in hydrothermal veins. Specimens can range from millions to over a billion years old depending on the host rock formation.

Uses & applications

Predominantly used for lapidary work including jewelry, carvings, and ornaments. In industry, high-purity quartz is used in electronics and glass-making, though Rose Quartz is usually valued for its aesthetics.

Geological facts

Rose quartz is unique because it rarely forms well-defined crystal faces, instead appearing as massive chunks. Large quantities are famously found in Minas Gerais, Brazil, and South Dakota, USA.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its characteristic pink hue and translucency. In the field, look for milky, pink massive quartz outcrops. It cannot be scratched by a steel knife. Common in pegmatite-rich regions like Brazil, Madagascar, and parts of the United States.

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