mineral

Rose Quartz / Iron-stained Quartz

SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Pinkish-red to reddish-orange due to hematite/iron oxide inclusions or trace titanium/manganese. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal System: Hexagonal (trigonal). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 23, 2026More mineral →

Explore Rose Quartz / Iron-stained Quartz in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in high-temperature pegmatites and hydrothermal veins as silica-rich fluids cool and crystallize over millions of years. Iron oxide staining often coats or permeates the quartz structure.

Uses & applications

Used in decorative carvings, lapidary arts, gemstone jewelry, landscaping, and highly valued by mineral collectors for its vivid coloration.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth's continental crust. Red and deep pink quartz variants get their intense hues from micro-inclusions of iron minerals like hematite or goethite.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its scratch resistance (scratches glass easily), lack of cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and distinct pinkish-red coloration. Commonly found in granite pegmatites and riverbeds globally.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust

Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)

sedimentary

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

mineral

Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Mineral

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock