mineral

Pink Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with trace inclusions

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink to orange-red; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pink to orange-red
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified June 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink to orange-red; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Forms in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites when silica-rich fluids cool. Trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese contribute to the pinkish hue. Found in various geological ages ranging from Precambrian to Cenozoic.

Uses & applications

Commonly used for lapidary work, decorative landscaping, bead making, and as healing crystals in alternative medicine. Finely ground quartz is used in ceramics and glassmaking.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth's continental crust. Pink varieties like this are often referred to as 'Rose Quartz' if translucent, or simply 'Pink Quartz' if opaque or more reddish due to iron staining.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and waxy to vitreous luster. Commonly found in river beds and weathered granite outcrops.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

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

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

metamorphic