Rock Identifier
Rose quartz (Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), pink variety) — mineral
mineral

Rose quartz

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), pink variety

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 7; pale pink, translucent to opaque, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal structure, and no cleavage. Commonly occurs as massive, fractured chunks rather than distinct crystals.

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Physical properties

Mohs hardness 7; pale pink, translucent to opaque, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal structure, and no cleavage. Commonly occurs as massive, fractured chunks rather than distinct crystals.

Formation & geological history

Forms mainly in pegmatites and other silica-rich igneous rocks as magma cools; many deposits are Precambrian, though rose quartz occurs in rocks of varied ages.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, carvings, ornamental objects, and inexpensive jewelry; quartz is also important in glassmaking and electronics.

Geological facts

Its pink color is associated with trace elements and microscopic mineral inclusions; the precise color-causing mechanism can vary.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its pink color, glassy sheen, and hardness—it scratches glass and is not easily scratched by a steel knife. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, India, and South Dakota, USA.