Quartz is the most abundant mineral on Earth. There are many varieties of quartz, all having the same basic properties, but with different colors due to impurities. Rose quartz is a pink variety of quartz.
Chemical Composition
Rose quartz is silicon dioxide. The pink coloring of rose quartz is due to a titanium, iron or manganese impurity.
Properties
Rose quartz has a hardness of seven, meaning that is resistant to being scratched. It has a vitreous or glassy luster and has a conchoidal fracture. Rose quartz rarely has external faces, as the formation of other minerals tends to interfere with forming crystals. Rose quartz may exhibit asterism--a star-like appearance in the mineral.
Uses
Rose quartz is used in ornamental jewelry, often in bead making. It is also carved into animals, people or flowers as a decorative item.
Locations
Rose quartz can be found in South Dakota, Brazil, India, Germany, Switzerland and Madagascar.
Care
Rose quartz can be polished using a clean, dry cloth. Be careful--although it is not easily scratched, rose quartz will break if hit hard enough.
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