mineral
Rose Quartz
Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with traces of titanium, iron, or manganese
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale pink to rose red; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct; Transparency: Translucent to transparent.
- 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; Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct; Transparency: Translucent to transparent.
Formation & geological history
Commonly occurs in the cores of pegmatites and large hydrothermal veins; formed at high temperatures during the cooling of igneous rocks.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in lapidary work for carvings, beads, cabochons for jewelry, and as a popular decorative stone in home decor and metaphysical practices.
Geological facts
Unlike amethyst or citrine, rose quartz rarely forms well-defined crystal faces; it usually occurs in massive form. The pink color is often attributed to microscopic inclusions of a fibrous pink mineral similar to dumortierite.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic pink hue, hardness (will scratch glass), and lack of cleavage. Common locations include Brazil, South Africa, Madagascar, India, and the United States (South Dakota).
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous