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 (glassy); 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 (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale pink to rose red; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Typically forms in hydrothermal veins and magmatic pegmatites. The pink color is generally attributed to microscopic inclusions of a pink fibrous mineral similar to dumortierite.
Uses & applications
Widely used for lapidary purposes, including semi-precious jewelry, ornamental carvings, spheres, and tumbled stones. Also popular in metaphysical practices.
Geological facts
Unlike other varieties of quartz, rose quartz rarely forms well-defined visible crystals. It is the state rock of South Dakota, USA, where large deposits are found.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive pink hue and inability to be scratched by a steel knife. Commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, South Africa, and the United States (South Dakota). Tumbled specimens like this one are common in entry-level collections.
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sedimentary
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Metamorphic
Epidote
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metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous