mineral

Rose Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Mohs hardness of 7, pale pink to rose-red color, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, no true cleavage, conchoidal fracture, translucent to sub-translucent.

Identified July 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Mohs hardness of 7, pale pink to rose-red color, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, no true cleavage, conchoidal fracture, translucent to sub-translucent.

Formation & geological history

Forms primarily in pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and igneous rocks through the slow cooling of silica-rich magma. The pink coloration is typically due to microscopic inclusions of trace fibrous minerals like dumortierite.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in lapidary work, jewelry, ornamental carvings, beads, polished stones, and highly prized by crystal and mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Unlike many other quartz varieties, rose quartz rarely forms distinct, well-defined crystal faces. Specimens showing well-developed crystal faces are extremely rare and known as crystalline rose quartz or pink quartz.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive pale pink color, vitreous luster, and hardness (scratches glass readily). Frequently found in Brazil, Madagascar, South Africa, and the United States (South Dakota).