Tumbled Rose Quartz
Quartz (Silica) variety Rose Quartz · Semi-Precious Gemstone / Mineral Specimen
Crystal System
Trigonal crystal system; typical habit is massive, rarely forming distinct crystal faces
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicate subgroup)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide) with trace amounts of titanium, manganese, or iron
Formation Process
Igneous formation; typically crystallizes from cooling magma in granite pegmatites at high temperatures.
About This Crystal
Spherical or orbicular tumbled stone, approximately 17-18mm in diameter according to the scale. It exhibits a pale pink to peachy-pink color with a cloudy or milky translucency. The luster is vitreous (glass-like) but appears slightly waxy due to the surface texture and tumbling process.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Pale pink; Streak: White; Cleavage: None; Fracture: Conchoidal; Specific Gravity: 2.65; Tenacity: Brittle; Fluorescence: Weak purple or inert under UV light.
Optical Properties
Refractive Index: 1.544-1.553; Birefringence: 0.009; Doubly refractive; may exhibit tyndall scattering due to fibrous inclusions which causes the cloudy appearance.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Brazil (Minas Gerais), Madagascar, South Africa, and the United States (South Dakota). Found primarily in pegmatites.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness: 7; Toughness: Good; Stability: Stable to most chemicals but can fade in prolonged direct sunlight.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water; avoid prolonged exposure to intense sunlight to prevent color fading; store away from harder gems like diamond or sapphire to avoid surface scratches.
Rarity & Value
Common; very affordable. Value is determined by color intensity and transparency. Deeper pink specimens without heavy internal fractures are more valuable.
Special Characteristics
In rare instances, rose quartz can show asterism (a star effect) when inclusions of rutile are present and it is cut into a cabochon, though this tumbled specimen shows standard translucency.
Lore & History
Historically used in jewelry and carvings since ancient Roman and Egyptian times. In metaphysical traditions, it is known as the 'Stone of Unconditional Love,' associated with the Heart Chakra and believed to promote emotional healing and peace.