Rose Quartz
Image: James St. John (CC BY 2.0)
Mineral NameRose Quartz
Chemical FormulaSiO2
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorspink, rose-red
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityMozambique
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, ornamental, collector
Associated Mineralsfeldspar, mica, tourmaline
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen is a translucent, pale to medium pink mass of rose quartz, exhibiting a distinct asterism (star effect) when illuminated. Its surface is smooth and somewhat rounded, characteristic of a tumbled or polished piece.
Geological Context
Rose quartz typically forms in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins, often as massive aggregates. Its pink color is attributed to microscopic inclusions of dumortierite or other fibrous minerals, or potentially irradiation-induced color centers.
