mineral
Rose Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale pink to rose red; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; 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; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in high-temperature pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. The pink color is generally attributed to microscopic inclusions of pink fibrous minerals like dumortierite or trace chemical impurities. Most specimens are millions of years old.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in jewelry as cabochons, carvings, and beads. Also used in decor, metaphysical crystal collections, and industrial uses for silica if high purity.
Geological facts
Rose quartz rarely forms visible crystal faces; it usually occurs in massive form. Large deposits are found in Brazil and Madagascar. Some rare specimens show 'asterism' or a star effect when cut as a cabochon.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic pink hue, hardness (will scratch glass), and lack of cleavage (breaks with curved conchoidal surfaces like glass). Common in river beds and mountainous pegmatite exposures.
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