Rose Quartz
Quartz var. Rose Quartz · Semi-Precious Gemstone
Crystal System
Trigonal, typically carved or polished into a prismatic or pendant habit
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicate subgroup)
Chemical Formula
SiO2
Formation Process
Igneous and pegmatitic, forming at high temperatures within cooling magma chambers and pegmatite dikes
About This Crystal
A pale to medium pink crystal with translucent to transparent clarity, featuring a vitreous luster, smooth polished surface, and internal cloudiness typical of massive quartz varieties
Physical Characteristics
Pink body color, white streak, conchoidal fracture, lack of distinct cleavage, specific gravity of approximately 2.65, brittle tenacity, and typically inert under ultraviolet light
Optical Properties
Uniaxial positive optical character with weak double refraction, refractive index of 1.544 to 1.553, and faint or absent pleochroism
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Madagascar, Brazil, USA, South Africa, and India; found primarily in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 7, making it durable for daily jewelry wear though prone to scratching softer metals or being scratched by quartz-level abrasives
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water using a soft brush, avoid harsh chemicals or prolonged direct sunlight which can fade the pink coloration
Rarity & Value
Common and widely accessible, with value determined by color saturation, transparency, and size, usually ranging from very affordable to moderate for fine gem-grade pieces
Special Characteristics
Can occasionally exhibit asterism (six-rayed star effect) when cut as a cabochon due to microscopic aligned dumortierite or rutile inclusions
Lore & History
Historically used as a talisman of love and reconciliation by ancient civilizations, widely associated in modern crystal healing with the heart chakra and unconditional love