Rock Identifier
Rose Quartz (Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)) — mineral
mineral

Rose Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on 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 on Mohs scale
Color
Pale pink to rose red
Luster
Vitreous to greasy
Identified More mineral
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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on 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

Formed primarily in pegmatites through the slow cooling of magma. Its pink hue is generally attributed to trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese, or microscopic inclusions of aluminum-borosilicate or dumortierite.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in lapidary work for cabochons, carvings, and beads. Widely utilized in jewelry and as ornamental decorative pieces and 'healing' crystals.

Geological facts

Unlike clear quartz, rose quartz rarely forms well-defined crystal faces and usually occurs as massive grains. It can exhibit asterism (a star shape) if it contains fine needles of rutile.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its translucent pink color and inability to be scratched by a steel knife. It is commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, India, and South Dakota, USA.