mineral
Rose Quartz
Silicon Dioxide with traces of titanium, iron, or manganese (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: pale pink to rose red; Luster: vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- pale pink to rose red
- Luster
- vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: pale pink to rose red; Luster: vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in magmatic pegmatites as cooling silicate-rich fluids crystallize. It can also form in hydrothermal veins. Most specimens date from hundreds of millions to over a billion years old.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in jewelry (beads, cabochons), ornamental carvings, crystal healing practices, and as collector specimens.
Geological facts
Unlike other varieties of quartz, rose quartz rarely forms well-defined crystal faces and usually occurs in massive form. The pink color is often attributed to microscopic inclusions of a pink fibrous mineral related to dumortierite.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic pink hue and lack of crystal faces. Found commonly in Brazil, South Africa, Madagascar, and the United States (South Dakota). It will scratch glass but cannot be scratched by a steel knife.
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metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
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Mineral
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Mineral/Rock
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