mineral
Rose Quartz
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale pink to rose red; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (often occurs in massive form); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pale pink to rose red
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
Identified More mineral →
Explore Rose Quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale pink to rose red; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (often occurs in massive form); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in late-stage crystallization of pegmatites (igneous) at high temperatures. The pink color is generally attributed to microscopic inclusions of fibrous dumortierite or similar minerals. Most deposits are millions of years old.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in jewelry, ornamental carvings, lapidary arts, and as a popular collectable specimen for metaphysical practitioners.
Geological facts
Unlike other varieties of quartz, rose quartz rarely forms well-defined crystal faces; it is almost always found in large, shapeless masses. Large amounts are found in Brazil and Madagascar.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic pink hue and ability to scratch glass. It is common in pegmatites. Collectors should look for deep color saturation and clarity, though most specimens are translucent.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic