mineral
Rose Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with trace amounts of Titanium, Iron, or Manganese
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Pale pink to rose red; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on the Mohs scale
- Color
- Pale 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 on the Mohs scale; Color: Pale pink to rose red; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in late-stage crystallization of granitic pegmatites. The pink color is often attributed to microscopic inclusions of a fibrous pink mineral similar to dumortierite within the quartz mass.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, spheres, and as a popular meditation or 'healing' stone in metaphysical communities.
Geological facts
Unlike clear quartz, rose quartz rarely forms well-defined crystal faces and usually occurs in massive form. Large deposits estimated to be hundreds of millions of years old are found in pegmatite cores.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic pink hue and translucency. In the field, look for quartz veins or pegmatite outcrops. It can be distinguished from pink calcite by its superior hardness (cannot be scratched by steel).
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
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous