An elephant carved in rose quartz, 4 inches (10 cm) long

Rose quartz is a type of quartz which exhibits a pale pink to rose red hue. The color is usually considered as due to trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese, in the massive material. Some rose quartz contains microscopic rutile needles which produces an asterism in transmitted light. Recent X-ray diffraction studies suggest that the color is due to thin microscopic fibers of possibly dumortierite within the massive quartz. It is rarely found in crystal form. When it is, its color is thought due to trace amounts of phosphate or aluminium. The color in crystals is apparently photosensitive and subject to fading. The first crystals were found in a pegmatite found near Rumford , Maine, USA, but most crystals on the market come from Minas Gerais, Brazil.

It is not very popular as a faceted gem because its pink color is often too pale and the stones are always cloudy, and very often have large flaws in them. When rose quartz is cut in cabochons, or rounded into beads for necklaces or carved, it is far more effective.

See also

• List of minerals

References and external links

• Dana's Manual of Mineralogy ISBN 0471032883
• Mineralminers.com
• Mineral galleries