Rose Quartz
pink · Quartz family
| Also known as | Quartz (Quartz family) |
|---|---|
| Colour | Pink |
| Mohs hardness | 7 |
| Lustre | Vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Trigonal |
| Transparency | Translucent (rose quartz); transparent (pink quartz) |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | Silica (silicon dioxide, SiO) |
| Specific gravity | 2.65 |
What is Rose Quartz?
Rose quartz is a pink, translucent variety of quartz with a massive habit. Its color is due to microscopic inclusions of a fibrous silicate mineral related to dumortierite. Previously, the color was believed to be due to inclusions of rutile. Rose quartz is dichroic and may display asterism when cut into spheres or cabochons. It formed at very high temperatures of 400–700 °C (752–1,292 °F) in the quartz cores of pegmatites. Rose quartz is commonly used in lapidary for carvings and as a semiprecious gemstone.
How to identify Rose Quartz
- Lustre: Vitreous.
- Hardness: Mohs 7 — hard enough to scratch glass.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Trigonal crystal system.
Rose Quartz in different forms
Stones often confused with Rose Quartz
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Rose Quartz?
Rose Quartz is Mohs 7 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Rose Quartz?
Rose Quartz is typically pink (Light pink, rose).