mineral
Rose Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pink to rose red; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Pink to rose red
- Luster
- Vitreous/glassy
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 (Mohs scale); Color: Pink to rose red; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Typically found in pegmatite veins formed through the slow cooling of magma. The pink hue is caused by microscopic inclusions of dumortierite or other related minerals within the quartz matrix.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in jewelry (beads, cabochons), ornamental carvings, decorative figurines, and as a popular specimen for crystal healing and mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Unlike other varieties of quartz, rose quartz rarely forms well-defined crystals and typically occurs as massive aggregates. It can exhibit asterism (a star effect) when inclusions are properly oriented.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive pink color, glassy luster, and lack of cleavage. Common in Brazil, Madagascar, South Africa, and the United States (South Dakota). Look for its characteristic conchoidal fracture.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
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
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock