Pink Quartz

Pink Quartz, other than Rose Quartz, is transparent and mostly found as isomorphous (well-formed) crystals.

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Origin of name: from its colour

Synonyms and trade names: mostly and erroneously called Rose Quartz

Can be confused with: other pink stones like tourmaline, kunzite, morganite, topaz, spinel, sapphire and very light coloured "Rose de France" amethyst

Localities: Pink Quartz is rare! The most important source is Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Handling: Pink Quartz is sensitive to light and heat. Colour can fade under UV light and when heated to more than 200°C. Keep away from direct sunlight!

Worth knowing: other than Rose Quartz, Pink Quartz does not owe its colour to inclusions but to irradiation-induced color centers based on aluminum and phosphorous, that replace silicium in the atom lattice

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Gemmological Properties of Pink Quartz

Formula:
SiO2
Crystal system:
trigonal
Mohs hardness:
7 (reference stone)
Specific gravity:
2.65
Refractive index:
birefringent 1.543-1.554
Max. Birefringence:
0.009
Dispersion:
0.013
Pleochroism:
weak, pink and pale pink
Luminiscence:
none to very weak, SWUV pale blue, LWUV pink to pale orange
Lustre:
vitreous
Cleavage:
weak
Fracture:
conchoidal
Colour:
pale pink, pink to orangish pink