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Rose quartz

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Rose quartz is a type of quartz which exhibits a pale pink to rose red hue.

The color is usually considered as due to trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese, in the massive material. Some rose quartz contains microscopic rutile needles which produces an asterism in transmitted light. Recent X-ray diffraction studies suggest that the color is due to thin microscopic fibers of possibly dumortierite within the massive quartz.

In crystal form (rarely found) it is called Pink quartz and its color is thought due to trace amounts of phosphate or aluminium. The color in crystals is apparently photosensitive and subject to fading. The first crystals were found in a pegmatite found near Rumford, Maine, USA, but most crystals on the market come from Minas Gerais, Brazil.

It is not very popular as a faceted gem because the stones are always cloudy, its pink color is often too pale, and most Rose Quartz gems have large flaws. When rose quartz is cut in cabochons, or rounded into beads for necklaces or carved, it is far more effective.