mineral
Rose Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with trace Titanium, Iron, or Manganese
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale pink to rose red; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal (usually massive); 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/Hexagonal (usually massive); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in high-temperature silica-rich pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. It crystallizes from cooling magma, primarily found in rock formations several hundred million years old.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in jewelry, ornamental carvings (like the heart shape shown), lapidary art, and popular in metaphysical crystal collections.
Geological facts
Rose quartz is unique because it rarely forms well-defined crystals, usually appearing in 'massive' form. The pink color is thought to be caused by microscopic inclusions of a pink fibrous mineral similar to dumortierite.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its translucent pink color and its ability to scratch glass. It is commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, and South Dakota (USA). Collectors should look for pieces with deep color saturation and clarity.
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
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