amorphous Tectosilicates
Rose Quartz (Star Rose Quartz)
Formula SiO2
Crystal Structure
#! Species: Rose Quartz (Star)
#! System: Trigonal (32)
#! Habit: Massive with asterism from rutile silk
amorphous[cryptocrystalline]:{massive} | phenomenon[asterism:six_ray]
amorphous
32
{massive}
Quick Facts
Hardness
7.0
Specific Gravity
2.65
Refractive Index
1.544
Optical Character
Uniaxial +
Physical Properties
- Crystal System
- amorphous
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 7.0
- Specific Gravity
- 2.65
- Cleavage
- None
- Fracture
- Conchoidal
- Lustre
- Vitreous
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.544
- Birefringence
- 0.009
- Optical Character
- Uniaxial +
- Dispersion
- 0.013
- Pleochroism
- weak: Pink / Paler pink
Characteristics
Colours
Pale pinkRose pinkDeep pinkLavender pink
Localities
BrazilMadagascarIndiaSouth Dakota (USA)Mozambique
Common Inclusions
Rutile needles (cause asterism)Dumortierite fibresRose-coloured cloudy appearance
Known Treatments
Irradiation (to deepen colour)
Crystal Forms
massive
Diagnostic Features
Translucent pink; rarely forms visible crystals; asterism in some cabochons (star rose quartz)
Notes
Six-rayed star from oriented rutile needles; best in transmitted light
Related Minerals
Other minerals in the amorphous system
Ambroid (Pressed Amber)
Compressed and fused amber chips (same chemical composition as amber — fossil resin; succinite for Baltic amber)
Bone (Ivory Simulant)
Ca5(PO4)3(OH) (hydroxyapatite; same general composition as ivory dentine) in collagen matrix; technically microcrystalline hydroxyapatite but gemologically treated as amorphous/aggregate biomineral
Chalcedony (Botryoidal)
SiO2
Chalcedony (Massive)
SiO2
Chrysocolla
(Cu,Al)2H2Si2O5(OH)4.nH2O
Copal (Amber Simulant)
Partially polymerised plant resin (labdanoid diterpenes; younger resin; not fully matured/polymerised)