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 to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (hexagonal system); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- 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 (Mohs scale); Color: Pink to rose-red; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (hexagonal system); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Rose quartz is typically found in the cores of pegmatites (igneous rocks). It forms through the crystallization of magma at high temperatures and pressures, typically during the late stages of magmatic differentiation in granite pegmatites.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in jewelry for beads, cabochons, and carvings. Also popular in the metaphysical community and used in home decor items and bulk landscaping stone.
Geological facts
Unlike other varieties of quartz, rose quartz rarely forms well-defined crystal faces; it almost always occurs in massive form. The pink color is often attributed to microscopic inclusions of a fibrous pink mineral similar to dumortierite.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic pink hue and conchoidal fracture (glass-like curves when broken). It cannot be scratched by a steel pocketknife. Found commonly in Brazil, South Africa, Madagascar, and the United States (South Dakota and Maine).
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock