Rose quartz

Rose quartz is the pale pink, translucent, milky quartz. It is associated with love and tenderness, and cut into beads, cabochons and shapes such as hearts. It is very durable.

Properties #

• Composition: silicon dioxide with traces of titanium or manganese.
• Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale.
• Color: pale, milky pink.
• Origins: Brazil, Madagascar, India and South Africa.
• Treatments: may be dyed.

Uses in jewelry #

• Beads, cabochons and pendants.
• Bracelets and necklaces.
• Romantic jewelry.

Pros and cons #

Advantages #

• Very affordable and durable.
• Soft, flattering color.
• Easy to find.

Limitations #

• Color can fade in sunlight.
• Translucent, no gem sparkle.
• Some very pale ones are dyed.

Care and cleaning #

• Clean with lukewarm water and mild soap.
• Avoid prolonged sun.
• Store apart.

See also #

• Gemstones in jewelry
• Quartz and its varieties
• Morganite