Gem Profile- Rose Quartz
Quartz that has been colored by trace inclusions of iron (hematite), manganese and/or titanium, from pale pink hues through rose, mauve, smoky pink, rose red, and lavender pink colors, is the variety we know best as rose quartz.
(In fact, rose quartz may or may not be called pink quartz - keep reading to find out about this distinction!)
(In fact, rose quartz may or may not be called pink quartz - keep reading to find out about this distinction!)
This beautiful pink stone is rarely found in crystal form; rather, it occurs massively in pegmatites; which means it can also be a component of the rock we call granite.
This rose quartz pendant by Judy Copeland is wrapped with gold craft wire in a plaited frame with pearl accents.
This rose quartz pendant by Judy Copeland is wrapped with gold craft wire in a plaited frame with pearl accents.
A pretty chunk of rough rose quartz that I have decided to keep as a specimen, rather than to cut and cab it.
Rose Quartz in the East
Huge dikes of rose quartz yield large blocks for carving.
Oriental artists have used them for centuries.
One great example of pink quartz, likely granite instead of true rose quartz, is Sri Lanka's Pink Quartz Mountain Range called Jathika Namal Uyana.
These rocks are at least 550 million years old.
They contain plant fossils about 250 million years old.
This research suggests the mountains are granite.
The lovely, easily carved material appears in part of the Taj Mahal and many Eastern Buddha statues.
Gina Smith recently won a blue ribbon at a state fair with this 3-piece set, made with pink quartz, Swarovski crystals, and sterling silver wire.
Huge dikes of rose quartz yield large blocks for carving.
Oriental artists have used them for centuries.
One great example of pink quartz, likely granite instead of true rose quartz, is Sri Lanka's Pink Quartz Mountain Range called Jathika Namal Uyana.
These rocks are at least 550 million years old.
They contain plant fossils about 250 million years old.
This research suggests the mountains are granite.
The lovely, easily carved material appears in part of the Taj Mahal and many Eastern Buddha statues.
Gina Smith recently won a blue ribbon at a state fair with this 3-piece set, made with pink quartz, Swarovski crystals, and sterling silver wire.
Two nice examples of carved rose quartz that live in my studio.
Rose Quartz Properties
Some milky pink quartz is almost opaque, but most rose quartz is translucent.
Rarely found is a transparent, gemmy piece large enough to be faceted.
Gem quality often suffers from internal fractures due to climate changes or mining blasts.
Rose quartz is slightly dichroic.
It splits light into various polarizations or slight color changes.
When rose quartz includes rutile crystals on an axis or asterism, a star pattern like star sapphire appears. This is called 'Star' rose quartz.
Terri McMahon wrapped this 24x40mm rose quartz cabochon in 21-gauge round bronze wire with
Some milky pink quartz is almost opaque, but most rose quartz is translucent.
Rarely found is a transparent, gemmy piece large enough to be faceted.
Gem quality often suffers from internal fractures due to climate changes or mining blasts.
Rose quartz is slightly dichroic.
It splits light into various polarizations or slight color changes.
When rose quartz includes rutile crystals on an axis or asterism, a star pattern like star sapphire appears. This is called 'Star' rose quartz.
Terri McMahon wrapped this 24x40mm rose quartz cabochon in 21-gauge round bronze wire with
A nice selection of rose quartz that has been faceted and cabbed. Private collection, Dale Armstrong.
Rose Quartz and Pink Quartz
Actually there are two classifications for this color of quartz, and there are some who think the two should be distinctly separated from one another.
"Rose" quartz never forms as crystals whereas "pink" quartz occasionally does.
"Rose" is not sensitive to light, but "pink" should be kept out of sunlight to prevent fading.
Each variety forms in distinctly different environments, "pink" is rarely transparent while "rose" can be found clear; and "pink" owes its color to aluminum and is often found with smoky quartz.
Does the color/name of your quartz really matter when you are making a piece of wire jewelry?
Probably not, but I thought this was an interesting tidbit to share with you.
This rose quartz cluster reminded Jackie Morris of a castle with its points, so she kept the sterling silver wrap wires away from the main body to showcase the stone.
Actually there are two classifications for this color of quartz, and there are some who think the two should be distinctly separated from one another.
"Rose" quartz never forms as crystals whereas "pink" quartz occasionally does.
"Rose" is not sensitive to light, but "pink" should be kept out of sunlight to prevent fading.
Each variety forms in distinctly different environments, "pink" is rarely transparent while "rose" can be found clear; and "pink" owes its color to aluminum and is often found with smoky quartz.
Does the color/name of your quartz really matter when you are making a piece of wire jewelry?
Probably not, but I thought this was an interesting tidbit to share with you.
This rose quartz cluster reminded Jackie Morris of a castle with its points, so she kept the sterling silver wrap wires away from the main body to showcase the stone.
I actually picked this beautiful sphere up while I was in Tucson a few weeks ago, anticipating this article!
Rose Quartz in Culture
Pink or rose quartz is the 5th wedding anniversary stone.
Humans have used it since ancient times, as shown by Illinois arrowheads dating 2,200-1,800 BP.
It is South Dakota's official state mineral (Fairburn Agate is the state gem).
Ten rose quartz mines operate there.
A mansion in Rapid City was built from rose quartz blocks.
Many Black Hills store fronts use it too.
Tons of this hard, pink material ship worldwide for ornamental items and carvings.
Part of my personal rose quartz component collection.
Pink or rose quartz is the 5th wedding anniversary stone.
Humans have used it since ancient times, as shown by Illinois arrowheads dating 2,200-1,800 BP.
It is South Dakota's official state mineral (Fairburn Agate is the state gem).
Ten rose quartz mines operate there.
A mansion in Rapid City was built from rose quartz blocks.
Many Black Hills store fronts use it too.
Tons of this hard, pink material ship worldwide for ornamental items and carvings.
Part of my personal rose quartz component collection.
Rose Quartz Locations
Rose quartz appears in Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, and Africa.
Other notable North American areas include California, Georgia, Colorado, Virginia, and Arizona.
Stones that can be confused with rose quartz include kunzite, morganite (pink beryl), pale amethyst, and chalcedony.
Linda Overman wire wrapped this rose quartz cross with rose gold craft wire.
Rose quartz appears in Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, and Africa.
Other notable North American areas include California, Georgia, Colorado, Virginia, and Arizona.
Stones that can be confused with rose quartz include kunzite, morganite (pink beryl), pale amethyst, and chalcedony.
Linda Overman wire wrapped this rose quartz cross with rose gold craft wire.
Rose Quartz Metaphysical Properties
Most of the legends and lore about rose quartz relate it to being the one stone responsible for all forms of "love" on the earth.
Love of one's self and of others, reconciliation of friends and/or lovers, attaining friendship, and unconditional love.
Wire wrapped rose quartz heart by Joan Madouse in rose gold craft wire and rose gold beads.
Most of the legends and lore about rose quartz relate it to being the one stone responsible for all forms of "love" on the earth.
Love of one's self and of others, reconciliation of friends and/or lovers, attaining friendship, and unconditional love.
Wire wrapped rose quartz heart by Joan Madouse in rose gold craft wire and rose gold beads.
A metaphysical "wand" that was cut from a large piece of rose quartz. Private collection, Dale Armstrong
Materials
Wire
13 Piece Rose Quartz Collar Set - Pack of 1
A2-1995R
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Rose Quartz 12mm Round Beads - 8 Inch Strand
A1-628
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- Price: $11.55
- Gold Club Price: $8.66
Sterling Silver Bezel Connector Rose Quartz Pear 10x7mm - Pack of 1
K4-82
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- Price: $4.91
- Gold Club Price: $3.68
WireJewelry Rose Quartz Rough - Large Natural Gemstones in 1.5 LB Bag
E6-109R
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- Price: $18.98
- Gold Club Price: $14.23
Rose Quartz Beads
Tools
WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5
G15-20
- G15-20
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- Price: $170.72
- Gold Club Price: $128.04
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Dale Armstrong
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