mineral
Rose Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with trace amounts of Titanium, Iron, or Manganese
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); 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 scale)
- Color
- Pale pink to rose red
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
Identified More mineral →
Explore Rose Quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); 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 late-stage cooling of granitic pegmatites. The pink color is generally attributed to microscopic inclusions of a pink fibrous mineral similar to dumortierite or trace amounts of titanium.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in lapidary work for cabochons, beads, carvings, and spheres. Also popular in jewelry, as decorative interior pieces, and in crystal healing practices.
Geological facts
Unlike other quartz varieties, Rose Quartz rarely forms distinct large crystal faces; it usually found in massive, irregular lumps. Some specimens display asterism (a star-like light effect) when cut.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive pink hue and hardness (it can scratch glass). Commonly found in Brazil, South Africa, Madagascar, and the United States (South Dakota).
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
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