Rose Quartz
Rose quartz is the pink variety of quartz, colored by trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese. Unlike most quartz, it almost never forms well-defined crystals — it typically occurs as massive pink rock. South Dakota's Black Hills have some of the largest rose quartz deposits in the US. Rare star rose quartz shows a six-rayed star when cut as a cabochon.
Physical Properties
Chemical Formula
SiO₂ (pink variety of quartz)
Hardness (Mohs)
7
Color
Pale to medium pink, rarely deep pink
Luster
Vitreous to greasy
Crystal System
Hexagonal (trigonal)
Streak
White
Cleavage
None
Specific Gravity
2.65
🔍 Field Identification Tips
Pale to medium pink color. Typically massive (no visible crystals). Greasy to vitreous luster. Hardness 7. Translucent to opaque. Distinguished from pink tourmaline (crystals, softer) and rhodonite (lower hardness, black manganese veins).
Varieties & Forms
📍 Where to Find Rose Quartz in the US
Uses & Applications
Jewelry, carvings, spheres, crystal healing. One of the most popular crystals in the wellness market.
💰 Collector Value Guide
Common tumbled: $1–$10. Raw chunks: $2–$20/lb. Quality carvings: $20–$200. Star rose quartz cabochons: $50–$500.
Find Rose Quartz With Our Tools
Use the We Lick Rocks app to identify specimens, find dig sites, and connect with local rockhounds.