mineral

Rose Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: pale pink to rose-red; Luster: vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: trigonal (rarely shows crystal faces, usually massive); Cleavage: none, uneven to conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: pale pink to rose-red
Luster: vitreous to greasy

Identified July 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms primarily in pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and metamorphic rocks. The pink color is generally attributed to microscopic inclusions of a fibrous pink silicate mineral aligned within the quartz matrix or trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese.

Uses & applications

Widely used for lapidary work, decorative carvings, beads, cabochons, carved spheres, and ornamental objects. Highly popular in gem and mineral collections.

Geological facts

Rose quartz rarely forms well-defined crystal faces; when distinct crystals occur, they are usually called 'pink quartz' and are light-sensitive. Massive rose quartz gets its color from microscopic fibrous inclusions related to dumortierite.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified by its distinctive pink color, glassy to greasy luster, hardness of 7 (will scratch glass), and lack of cleavage. Commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, South Africa, India, and the United States (South Dakota).