mineral
Rose Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Pale pink to deep rose-red, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal), Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture), Specific gravity: 2.65
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: Pale pink to deep rose-red, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal), Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture), Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in late-stage crystallization in granitic pegmatites or hydrothermal veins; geological age varies depending on the surrounding host rock, often billions of years old.
Uses & applications
Predominantly used for lapidary work including jewelry (beads, cabochons), carvings, decorative ornaments, and widely collected as a metaphysical healing stone.
Geological facts
Unlike other varieties of quartz, rose quartz rarely forms large well-defined crystals; it usually grows in massive chunks. Its pink color is often caused by microscopic inclusions of fibrous dumortierite.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic pink hue, high hardness (can scratch steel/glass), and lack of cleavage. Common locations include Brazil (Minas Gerais), South Africa, Madagascar, and the United States (South Dakota).
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