Rose quartz is the name used for pink specimens of the mineral quartz. It is abundant, common, and found in large quantities at numerous locations around the world. It is usually occurs as massive, anhedral occurrences in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites.

The pink color of rose quartz is attributed to microscopic inclusions of a pink variety of the mineral dumortierite. These inclusions are usually abundant enough to make the rose quartz translucent instead of transparent.

Rarely, quartz occurs as transparent euhedral crystals with a pink color. These are usually late-stage mineralizations in pegmatite pockets. The color of these specimens, especially those that are transparent, is thought to be caused by irradiation-induced color centers. This color is often unstable, fading with exposure to heat or light. Pink transparent quartz is rare, but found in several locations around the world. Many people believe that pink transparent quartz should be called “pink quartz” instead of “rose quartz” because the cause of the color is different.

Rose Quartz: A rare specimen of rose quartz with a gemmy pink color and recognizable crystals. From the Sapucaia Mine, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The specimen is 11.5 x 7 x 4.5 centimeters in size.