mineral

Rose Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese

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

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pink to rose-red
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified March 1, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

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.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral