mineral
Rose Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with trace Manganese, Titanium, or Iron
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Pale pink to rose red; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (usually massive); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Pale pink to rose red
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Pale pink to rose red; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (usually massive); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Commonly forms in coarse-grained igneous rocks called pegmatites. The pink color is usually derived from microscopic inclusions of fibrous dumortierite-like minerals or trace elements.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry, decorative carvings, lapidary arts, and as a popular metaphysical or collector mineral.
Geological facts
Unlike other varieties of quartz, rose quartz rarely forms well-defined visible crystals; it is almost always found in large, shapeless masses. It is often called the 'Love Stone'.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic pink hue, hardness (will scratch glass), and waxy to glassy appearance. It is commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, South Africa, and the United States (South Dakota).
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock