Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz is of a silicon dioxide chemical composition. It usually occurs in a trigonal prism crystal structure. It comes in pale-pink to reddish-pink colors.

Rose Quartz has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale which means that it is durable enough to be used in all types of jewelry.

It is mainly transparent to translucent with a unique translucent milky color and vitreous (glass-like) luster. It has a weak, dark violet fluorescence.

Rose Quartz is the beautiful pink variety of the Quartz family. It is found in abundance and therefore is very affordable. This popular gemstone can be cut in many shapes and sizes.

The colors of rose quartz is still not completely understood. It is believed that titanium, iron or manganese gives Rose Quartz its color. However, recent studies have suggested that its colours could be due to microscopic fibers of possibly pink dumortierite within the quartz. A rare type of pink quartz (also frequently called crystalline rose quartz) is thought to be caused by trace amounts of phosphate or aluminum. Nonetheless, these findings are still not conclusive.

Rose quartz is a macrocrystalline variety of the mineral Quartz. It has large crystals which can be seen by the naked eye. Amethyst, Citrine, and Rose Quartz have a similar crystal structure, distinguished only by their color. For example, Amethyst is purple, Citrine is yellow and Rose Quartz is pink.

Rose Quartz that exhibits asterism or chatoyancy exudes an ethereal quality. Asterism is the star effect of light reflecting from the stone in 4 to 6 rays. This is caused by parallel elongated rutile or silky inclusions that are oriented in at least two different directions.

Chatoyancy is the effect that resembles the slit eye of a cat and is also caused by the reflection of light from the parallel alignment of its silky inclusions but in one direction.

These effects can only be seen clearly when such stone is polished and cut en cabochon or round shape.

Do not confuse Rose Quartz for Pink Quartz. They are not the same. The latter is extremely rare while Rose Quartz is common and can be found in abundance. Pink Quartz crystals are microcrystalline whereas Rose Quartz's are macrocrystalline. Pink Quartz is sensitive to light and will fade in prolonged direct sunlight. Both Quartz are formed in different environment.

Rose quartz is usually opaque with the highest quality stones being translucent. The opaque specimens are usually cut en cabochons and the translucent pieces faceted. Rose Quartz are also carved into animal figurines, statues, leaves or other ornaments.

Rose Quartz is known as ‘The Love Stone', The Heart Stone' and ‘The Stone of Universal Love.’ Since thousands of years ago, it has been associated with matters of the heart. It is a universal love stone that exudes healing energy of love and compassion. Its soothing feminine energy has always been used as an important talisman and charm for love relationship. It inspires self-love and relieves stress. Holding or meditating with a Rose Quartz releases anxiety, anger, resentment, insecurity and jealousy.

Ancient Assyrians, Egyptians, Romans, Greeks made amulets, talismans, seals and sacred ornamental object from Rose Quartz. These have been found in archeological sites dating as far back as 10,000 years ago Before the Common Era. Stone masks were also recovered from ancient tombs.

Isis, the goddess of magic and of sacred wisdom used Rose Quartz to maintain her youthful appearance and flawless complexion. It is still used as part of beauty treatment today.

Ancient Greek lore states that Rose Quartz was created by the blood of both Aphrodite and her lover Adonis. Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of love. It is said that the war god Ares was jealous of their love and thus set out to kill Adonis. Aphrodite in her rush to save him, had cut herself on a briar bush. As she held Adonis in her arms, their blood dripped onto a white quartz and stained it pink. Their love touched Zeus and he brought Adonis back to life. Rose Quartz then became the symbol of everlasting love.

In Roman mythology, it was believed that the god of desire, love and attraction also known as Cupid brought Rose Quartz from the heavens to earth in order for romance and love to thrive among humanity.

Rose Quartz is not known to be treated in any way to enhance its color although it can be irradiated to intensify its pink.

To care for your Rose Quartz, simply wash with warm soapy water and gently wipe dry with a soft cloth. Remember to rinse well in order to remove all soapy residue. Store it away from harder gemstones like ruby, sapphire or beryl to prevent accidental scratches.

Gemstones that look similar to Rose Quartz include Kunzite, Morganite and Tourmaline. However, these are sold at a higher price.

Rose Quartz can be found in many parts of the world. Deposits are found in Brazil, Madagascar, India, Germany, South Africa and in the United States. Brazil remains the main supplier of good quality Rose Quartz around the world.