Gemstone profile and identification guide
Rose Quartz
Rose quartz is the pink variety of quartz, usually found as translucent massive material and less commonly as transparent crystals.
Profile Navigation
Overview
Rose quartz is the pink variety of quartz, usually found as translucent massive material and less commonly as transparent crystals.
Did you know? Asteriated rose quartz showing star effects can occur when oriented and cut en cabochon.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Rose Quartz
Scientific classification: Silicate (Quartz)
Hardness: 7 Mohs
Transparency: translucent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Trigonal
Primary colour: Pink
Secondary colour: Rose Pink
Colour family: Pinks
Rose quartz is identified by quartz properties plus characteristic pink body colour and often cloudy internal texture.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Values are given as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 7 Mohs
Chemical composition: Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
Crystal system: Trigonal
Common locations: Brazil, Madagascar, Mozambique, United States (South Dakota), Namibia
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Pink to rose-pink quartz, usually translucent in massive form.
Optical effects: Asterism (rare)
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Quartz (rose variety)
Mineral group: Quartz group
Chemical formula: Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
Mohs hardness: 7
Crystal system: Trigonal
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: translucent
Streak: White
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal
Specific gravity: 2.65
Refractive index: 1.544-1.553
Optical phenomena: Asterism (rare in some cabochons)
Colour range: Pale pink to medium rose pink
Common inclusions: Fibrous inclusions, veils, fluid inclusions
Geological environment: Pegmatites and hydrothermal veins
Principal mining regions: Brazil, Madagascar, Mozambique, United States (South Dakota), Namibia
Important commercial sources: Commercial rose quartz is mainly produced in Brazil and Madagascar, with additional supply from Mozambique and Namibia
Historical significance: Used for beads and carvings since antiquity in multiple regions.
Common treatments: Generally untreated; dyed and irradiated pink quartz products exist.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Glass and synthetic quartz products are used as imitations.
Common look-alikes: Pink glass, mangano calcite, dyed chalcedony
Jewellery uses: Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, and ornamental objects.
Care recommendations: Durable for regular wear; avoid strong heat and prolonged direct sun exposure for sensitive material.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Rose Quartz.
Formation
Forms in pegmatites and hydrothermal environments; pink colour is associated with microscopic fibrous inclusions and trace chemistry.
Origin
Commercial rose quartz is mainly produced in Brazil and Madagascar, with additional supply from Mozambique and Namibia
Uses
Best for: Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, and ornamental objects.
Ideal uses: Cabochons and carvings where soft pink body colour is emphasized.
Care
Durable for regular wear; avoid strong heat and prolonged direct sun exposure for sensitive material.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Gemstones from the same mineral family
Commonly confused gemstones
Rose Quartz FAQ
How can I identify Rose Quartz?
Compare hardness (7 Mohs), crystal system (Trigonal), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Rose Quartz appear in?
Pink to rose-pink quartz, usually translucent in massive form.
Where is Rose Quartz commonly used?
Cabochons and carvings where soft pink body colour is emphasized.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 01 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 01 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 01 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 01 factual verification pass.