mineral
Tumbled pink quartz, likely rose quartz
Rose quartz; predominantly silicon dioxide (SiO₂), commonly colored by trace iron, titanium, or manganese
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectUsually Mohs hardness 7, translucent pink with a vitreous luster and massive, non-cleavable quartz structure; individual pieces appear rough-tumbled or lightly polished. The exact identity is uncertain from the image alone, and some pieces could be pink calcite or dyed quartz.
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Physical properties
Usually Mohs hardness 7, translucent pink with a vitreous luster and massive, non-cleavable quartz structure; individual pieces appear rough-tumbled or lightly polished. The exact identity is uncertain from the image alone, and some pieces could be pink calcite or dyed quartz.
Formation & geological history
Rose quartz forms mainly in granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins, crystallizing from silica-rich fluids during Precambrian to Phanerozoic geological episodes. It commonly occurs with feldspar, mica, and other quartz varieties.
Uses & applications
Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, polished stones, ornaments, and decorative aggregate; it has limited industrial value compared with clear quartz.
Geological facts
Rose quartz is generally massive rather than well-crystallized; transparent pink quartz crystals are a rarer variety often called pink quartz. Color may fade with prolonged sunlight or heat.
Field identification & locations
Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, South Africa, India, and the United States. Check hardness against glass, inspect for natural cloudy translucence, and use a streak, specific-gravity, or gemological test to distinguish it from calcite or dyed material.
