mineral

Rose quartz (rough specimen)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), pink variety

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; pale pink to salmon, vitreous luster, translucent, and typically massive rather than well-crystallized. Quartz has a trigonal crystal structure and no cleavage, showing conchoidal fracture; the specimen’s blocky breaks and color are consistent with rough rose quartz.

Identified September 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms mainly in granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal quartz veins, with pink color commonly linked to microscopic dumortierite or related inclusions. Individual specimens may range from Precambrian to much younger geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used for carvings, beads, cabochons, decorative stone, and inexpensive jewelry; transparent, strongly colored material is more desirable. It has limited industrial use compared with clear quartz.

Geological facts

Rose quartz commonly occurs as massive material rather than sharp quartz crystals; well-formed pink crystals are exceptionally uncommon. Color may fade with prolonged sunlight or heating.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its pink color, glassy luster, hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary glass, and lack of cleavage; distinguish it from calcite by its greater hardness and conchoidal fracture. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, India, South Africa, and the United States.