Rose quartz crystal 174g, Brazil

Rose quartz is a translucent to transparent variety of quartz with a pink color. They usually do not form crystals, if they do, they are very rare. It occurs in the form of massive aggregates. The pink coloring is completed by traces of manganese and the milky appearance of the needle-like inclusion of rutile. Rosenin crystals are very rare; it is usually found in solid pieces that can be cut or ground into a lenticular or bead shape. Transparent material is rare; rosewood is usually cloudy or cracked, in part because it is brittle. Rutile inclusions in rose quartz can create an asterisk effect if the stone is lenticularly cut.

A rare specimen of rose quartz with recognizable crystals. From Sapucaia Mine, Minas Gerais, Brazil.