mineral

Rough rose quartz

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), pink variety

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically pale pink to rosy, translucent to opaque, with a vitreous luster and uneven fracture; Mohs hardness 7, no cleavage, hexagonal crystal structure, and specific gravity about 2.65. The specimen appears massive rather than well-crystallized, with white quartz-like patches or surface alteration.

Identified August 30, 2026More mineral →

Explore Rough rose quartz in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Rose quartz forms mainly in granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins as silica-rich fluids cool, generally during Precambrian to younger igneous activity. Its pink color commonly results from microscopic inclusions or trace elements, especially iron, titanium, or dumortierite-related material.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative and lapidary stone for cabochons, carvings, beads, polished pieces, and inexpensive jewelry; massive material is also collected as a mineral specimen.

Geological facts

Unlike many quartz varieties, rose quartz commonly occurs massive and rarely forms free-standing crystals. Its pink color can fade with prolonged strong sunlight or heating.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its pink color, glassy luster, hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary glass, and lack of cleavage; distinguish it from pink calcite, which is softer and reacts with acid. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, India, South Africa, and the United States.