mineral
Rose quartz
Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), likely massive rose quartz
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 7; pale pink to nearly colorless, translucent, with a vitreous-to-waxy luster. Trigonal crystal structure; no true cleavage, with conchoidal fracture. The pictured piece appears rounded and possibly tumbled.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 7; pale pink to nearly colorless, translucent, with a vitreous-to-waxy luster. Trigonal crystal structure; no true cleavage, with conchoidal fracture. The pictured piece appears rounded and possibly tumbled.
Formation & geological history
Forms mainly in granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins as silica-rich fluids cool. Rose quartz deposits occur in rocks of varied ages, commonly Precambrian.
Uses & applications
Used for beads, carvings, ornamental objects, and inexpensive jewelry; quartz also has broad industrial uses, though gem-quality rose quartz is generally valued decoratively.
Geological facts
Its pink color is commonly attributed to trace elements or microscopic mineral inclusions; the exact coloring mechanism can vary.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its pink color, glassy-to-waxy appearance, hardness, and lack of cleavage; it does not scratch easily with a steel knife. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, India, and South Africa.
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Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral