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.

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

Although huge dikes of rose quartz that yield large blocks of carving material can be found and have been used by Oriental artists for centuries, one great example of a pink quartz that is not truly rose quartz but more likely a granite, is the amazing Pink Quartz Mountain Range in Sri Lanka called Jathika Namal Uyana.

Geologically, the rocks that form this huge area of mountains are said to be at least 550 million years old, and contain plant fossils that are said to be about 250 million years old! Such research almost verifies that the mountains are actually made of a form of granite. Nevertheless, as the material is a lovely color and easily carved, it is said that part of the Taj Mahal was made from this stone. Around the East, there are also many statues and tributes to Buddha intricately carved of this same material.



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, or gemmy piece large enough to be faceted. The gem quality of rose quartz is usually compromised by internal fractures that either formed during climate changes in northern locations, or when mining procedures include blasting. Rose quartz is slightly dichroic, meaning that it has the ability to split light into a variety of polarizations or slight color changes in a mineral. When rose quartz has included rutile crystals that formed on an axis or asterism, a star pattern similar to a star sapphire can be visible. This very special stone is called 'Star' rose quartz



Terri McMahon wrapped this 24x40mm rose quartz cabochon in 21-gauge round bronze wire with 4mm amethyst beads.

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.

I actually picked this beautiful sphere up while I was in Tucson a few weeks ago, anticipating this article!

Rose Quartz in Culture

No matter the name, pink or rose quartz is the anniversary stone for the 5th year of marriage and it has been used by humans since the beginning of time, as seen by arrowheads from Illinois that date between 2,200-1800 BP (before the present). It is also the official state "mineral" of South Dakota (the state "gem" is the Fairburn Agate) where no less than 10 rose quartz mines operate; a mansion was built from blocks of rose quartz in Rapid City; many store fronts in the Black Hills area are made of rose quartz, and tons of the hard, pink lapidary material are shipped all over the world to be used in the creation of ornamental items and carvings.


Part of my personal rose quartz component collection.

Rose Quartz Locations

Rose quartz can also be found in several global locations that include Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, and Africa. View this link (https://www.mindat.org/photo-76772.html) to see a beautiful specimen of pink quartz crystals from Maine; other notable North American areas are 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.

A metaphysical "wand" that was cut from a large piece of rose quartz. Private collection, Dale Armstrong

Resources

Print Resources:

Love is in the Earth by Melody, ISBN 0-9628190-3-4
Minerals of the World by Walter Schumann, ISBN 0-8069-8570-4

The Peterson Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals by Frederick H. Pough, ISBN 0-395-24049-2
Simon & Schuster's Guide to Gems and Precious Stones by Curzio Cipriani and Alessandro Borelli, ISBN 0-671-60430-9

Internet Resources:

www.urlaub-sr-lanka.info/sri-lanka-holiday/2011/10/biggest-pink-quartz-mountain-range-south-asia/
www.wikipedia.org
www.mindat.org/photo-76772.html