
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
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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.
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