mineral
Rose Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with trace impurities
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Pale pink to rose-red; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Pale pink to rose-red
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; 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
Forms primarily in pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and igneous intrusions as magma cools and silica-rich fluids crystallize over millions of years. The pink color is usually caused by trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese, or microscopic inclusions of dumortierite.
Uses & applications
Used extensively as an ornamental stone, in lapidary work, jewelry (cabochons, beads), carvings, decorative home goods, and metaphysical crystal collecting.
Geological facts
Unlike transparent quartz crystals, rose quartz rarely forms distinct, well-defined crystal faces. Specimens that form well-shaped crystals are extremely rare and often referred to as 'pink quartz'.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified by its soft translucent pink color, lack of cleavage, smooth vitreous to waxy luster, and high scratch resistance (hardness 7). Commonly sourced from Brazil, Madagascar, South Africa, and the United States (South Dakota).
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