mineral
Rose Quartz
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: pale pink to rose red; Luster: vitreous; Crystal system: Hexagonal (Trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- pale pink to rose red
- Luster
- vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: pale pink to rose red; Luster: vitreous; Crystal system: Hexagonal (Trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms primarily in igneous pegmatites through the crystallization of magma containing high concentrations of silica and trace amount of titanium, iron, or manganese, which provides the pink color.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in jewelry, ornamental carvings, decorative figurines, and as a popular semi-precious gemstone for metaphysical and collecting purposes.
Geological facts
Unlike most other varieties of quartz, rose quartz rarely forms well-defined crystals; it is almost always found in massive form. The pink color can fade if exposed to excessive sunlight.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its translucent pink hue and ability to scratch glass. In Ohio (loc. 40.6N, 83.1W), native bedrock is sedimentary, so finding quartz like this often indicates glacial transport from igneous Canadian Shield sources via glaciation.
