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: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pale pink to rose red
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale pink to rose red; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites through the slow cooling of magma. Generally found in Precambrian rocks (older than 540 million years).
Uses & applications
Primary use in jewelry, figurines, and beads. Also used in spiritual practices and as a semi-precious ornamental stone.
Geological facts
Unlike large amethyst crystals, rose quartz rarely forms well-defined crystal faces and usually occurs in massive form. The pink color is often attributed to microscopic inclusions of dumortierite filaments.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic pink hue, high hardness (will scratch glass), and lack of cleavage. Often found in Brazil, South Africa, Madagascar, and the United States (South Dakota).
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