
mineral
Rose Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 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
Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites, typically crystallized from cooling magma as the last part of a granitic melt. Found in rocks dating from various geological eras, notably Precambrian to Mesozoic.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in lapidary work for jewelry (beads, cabochons), ornamental carvings, crystal healing, and as a decorative stone in interior design.
Geological facts
Unlike clear quartz, rose quartz rarely forms well-defined crystal faces and is usually found in massive chunks. Some specimens exhibit asterism (a six-rayed star effect) when cut into spheres or cabochons due to microscopic rutile inclusions.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its distinct pink hue, glassy luster, and the fact that it can scratch glass but cannot be scratched by a steel knife. Common locations include Brazil, Madagascar, South Africa, and the United States (South Dakota).
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous