Rose Quartz

Physical Properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: pale pink to rose red; Luster: vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal (usually found in massive form); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & Geological History

Formed in igneous pegmatites through the cooling of silica-rich magma; trace inclusions of fibrous minerals like dumortierite provide the pink color. Generally found in Precambrian to Cenozoic age deposits.

Uses & Applications

Predominantly used for jewelry, lapidary carvings, decorative ornaments, and widely collected for metaphysical/spiritual purposes. Some lower grade material is used in construction as aggregate.

Geological Facts

Unlike other varieties of quartz, rose quartz rarely forms large, well-defined crystals; it usually grows in massive blocks. The first rose quartz beads were found in Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) dating back to 7000 BC.

Field Identification & Locations

Identify by its characteristic hazy translucency, pink hue, and ability to scratch glass. Commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, South Africa, and the Black Hills of South Dakota, USA.

Identified on: 4/20/2026

Mode: Standard