mineral

Rose quartz (rough specimen)

Quartz, SiO₂; pink coloration is commonly attributed to microscopic inclusions or trace elements

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; pale pink to nearly colorless, translucent, with a vitreous luster and trigonal crystal structure. The specimen appears massive and irregularly fractured, without obvious cleavage.

Identified October 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness 7 Mohs; pale pink to nearly colorless, translucent, with a vitreous luster and trigonal crystal structure. The specimen appears massive and irregularly fractured, without obvious cleavage.

Formation & geological history

Forms in silica-rich pegmatites and hydrothermal veins as magma cools or mineral-rich fluids deposit quartz. Quartz occurs in rocks of many geological ages; this image does not establish the specimen’s age.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, carvings, ornamental stone, and inexpensive jewelry; also collected as a mineral specimen.

Geological facts

Rose quartz is usually massive rather than forming distinct, well-terminated crystals; its pink hue can fade with prolonged sunlight exposure.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its pink tint, glassy appearance, hardness, and lack of cleavage; it is common in pegmatites worldwide, including Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States. Similar-looking feldspar or calcite is softer and may show cleavage.