
mineral
Rose Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink to rose red; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pink to rose red
- Luster
- Vitreous/glassy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink to rose red; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms primarily in magma pegmatites through the cooling of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids. It is found in igneous environments and is often millions of years old, dating to diversos eras depending on the pegmatite origin.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in jewelry, ornamental carvings (like the squirrel shown), home decor, and spiritual/metaphysical practices. Also used as a gemstone in cabochon form.
Geological facts
Unlike other varieties of quartz, Rose Quartz rarely forms distinct crystal faces and is most commonly found in massive form. The pink color is believed to be caused by microscopic inclusions of a pink fibrous mineral similar to dumortierite.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its distinct pink translucent color and lack of crystal faces. It is commonly found in Brazil, South Africa, India, and Madagascar. It can be distinguished from pink calcite by its superior hardness (cannot be scratched by a steel knife).
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
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
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous