Buying Guide

The Gemstone Guide to Rose Quartz

Loved for
Symbolising unconditional love, rose quartz is often called the Heart Stone and has been used as a love token from as early as 600 BC.

About Rose Quartz
Rose quartz is a silicon dioxide crystal and one of the more common types of quartz. Associated with love and beauty, rose quartz has been discovered in Egyptian tombs, carved into facial masks which archaeologists believe were used to prevent wrinkles.

Rose quartz is linked in Buddhist teaching to the Heart Chakra, which is believed to dissolve emotional wounds, fears and resentments.

Rose Quartz was sometimes referred to as the Bohemian Ruby.

Colour
Found in transparent to translucent qualities, the colour of rose quartz ranges from almost white to a deep reddish-pink, due to trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese in the original material.

Microscopic inclusions can result in a star effect in some polished cabochons.

Where it's found
The main deposits of rose quartz are found in Brazil, although the best quality is believed to be that mined in Madagascar.

Moh hardness
7 (1 soft to 10 hard)

Birthstone
Often associated with January

Anniversaries
Often associated with the 5th wedding anniversary