
mineral
Rose Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 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
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Physical properties
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
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).
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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