
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 to greasy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal (rarely found as distinct crystals, usually massive); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pink to rose-red
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink to rose-red; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal (rarely found as distinct crystals, usually massive); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites as cooling magma rich in silica crystallizes. Most specimens range from hundreds of millions to billions of years old, often found in the cores of ancient mountain ranges.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in jewelry (beads, cabochons), ornamental carvings, figurines, and as decorative gemstones. It is also highly popular in the metaphysical community and for rock collecting.
Geological facts
Rose quartz rarely forms well-defined crystals; when pink quartz does form distinct crystals, it is often called 'Pink Quartz' and is mineralogically different due to sensitivity to light. Some Rose Quartz exhibits 'asterism' (a star effect) when cut into spheres or cabochons due to tiny rutile inclusions.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive pink color, waxy/greasy luster, and its ability to scratch glass (hardness 7). Commonly found in Brazil, South Africa, India, and the United States (South Dakota). In the field, look for massive, translucent pink outcrops within granite pegmatite formations.
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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