mineral
Rose Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale pink to rose red; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; 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 to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale pink to rose red; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in magma-rich environments, specifically as a late-stage crystallization in granitic pegmatites. It often occurs in large hydrothermal veins and is generally millions of years old.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in jewelry (beads, cabochons), ornamental carvings, decorative lamps, and in the metaphysical/collecting market for its aesthetic appeal.
Geological facts
Unlike other quartz varieties, Rose Quartz rarely forms distinct, well-defined crystal faces; it is almost always found in massive form. The pink color is often attributed to microscopic inclusions of a fibrous pink mineral similar to dumortierite.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic hazy translucent pink color and inability to be scratched by a steel knife (hardness). Found globally with major deposits 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
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
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous