Image: James St. John (CC BY 2.0)
trigonalcommonSilicates
Rose Quartz
SiO2
A translucent to opaque, pink variety of quartz, often occurring in massive form. This specimen exhibits asterism, a star-like optical phenomenon caused by microscopic fibrous inclusions.
Rose Quartz Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
7Crystal System
trigonalLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
noneFracture
conchoidalSpecific Gravity
2.65Colors
pink, rose-redTransparency
translucentType Locality
MozambiqueMineral Group
SilicatesUses
jewelry, ornamental, collectorAssociated Minerals
feldspar, mica, tourmaline, berylRarity
commonGeological Context
Rose quartz typically forms in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins, often associated with granitic intrusions. Its characteristic pink color is believed to be caused by microscopic inclusions of dumortierite or other fibrous minerals.
