Rose Quartz Written and compiled by - Patricia Jean Martin

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

Rose Quartz is one macrocrystalline (visible to the naked eye) variety of Quartz and is, in fact, one of its very highly desired varieties. It's pink color is unique in the mineral kingdom. When occurring in masses, this pink color is thought to be caused by impurities such as titanium, iron or manganese, although more recent study has shown through X-ray diffraction that the color may be due to thin microscopic fibers such as that which comprises Dumortierite. When in its rarer crystal form, its color is thought to be due to traces of phosphate or aluminum. The origins of Rose Quartz's color are still in debate. If Rutile needles are present during the growth of Rose Quartz, they orient at right angles to the C-axis and a star pattern, or asterism, may be visible when back-lit and peering through the crystal, as opposed to, for instance, certain Sapphires whose asterisms are seen when light shines on the surface of the gem.

Rose Quartz normally occurs as solid masses found in the cores of large pegmatites (a coarse-grained Granite) and sometimes in massive hydrothermal veins. Actual crystals of Rose Quartz are fairly rare; so rare that the first to be found were dismissed as fakes. But true crystals they are; the first was found near Rumford, Maine, but the majority hail from Minas Gerais, Brazil. Other Rose Quartz crystal localities include Arkansas, Colorado, South Dakota (official state mineral as of 1966), Maine, Arizona, Virginia and New York in the U.S., Scotland, England, Canada, Mexico and Australia. Still, it is an oddity that Rose Quartz is found somewhat lacking when it comes to crystal formation, as all other forms of Quartz are commonly found in crystal form.

Usually too cloudy to be cut into gemstones (although occasionally found in gem quality), most Rose Quartz is cut into cabochons, beads, or shaped into crystal points. Carved spheres, obelisks, pyramids and figurines are also popular.

Over time, Rose Quartz crystals are prone to fading and are best kept away from prolonged sunlight. They are also prone to crack or chip rather easily and should be handled with care.

General Information:

Chemistry: SiO2, Silicon Dioxide.

Class: Tectosilicates.

Group: Quartz

Color: Various shades of pink to rosy red. Opaque to translucent; rarely transparent.

Luster: Vitreous.

Crystal System: Hexagonal-Rhombohed ral; 32 (trigonal-trapezohe dral).

Crystal Habit: Usually massive with occasional contact crystal faces. May also occur (but rarely) as small horizontally striated hexagonal prisms terminated by a combination of positive and negative rhombohedrons forming six-sided pyramids.

Cleavage: None.

Fracture: Conchoidal.

Hardness: 7

Specific Gravity: 2.65

Streak: White

Other Characteristics: Rarely forms as crystals. Refraction index 1.544-1.553.

Notable Occurrences: Madagascar, Brazil, India, Germany, and several locations within the U.S.

Best Field Indicators: Color, hardness, crystal habit.

Uses: Gemstone; ornamental stone.

Much of the geological information for Rose Quartz is the same as clear Quartz. The above text lists simply the main differences. For a more comprehensive view see: Quartz (Rock Crystal.

Myth & Lore:

Throughout history, Rose Quartz has been a symbol for love and beauty. Today it is known as the "Stone of Gentle Love" or the "Stone of Unconditional Love".

Although not much is known historically about Rose Quartz, beads were found in the area once known as Mesopotamia (today's Iraq) that date back to 7000 BC. Rose Quartz jewelry was known to be crafted by the Assyrians during the time span of 800-600 BC, and it is believed that the Assyrians along with the Romans were first to use this stone. The Romans used it for making seals as a sign of ownership. They also considered it a strong healing stone. Egyptians believed the pink stone prevented aging.

Rose Quartz has traditionally been given to newborn babies to help in their transition from the spirit world to the physical realm, gently integrating the two and helping with adjustment. This stone is also said to help mend broken hearts or aid in easing emotional trauma.

Wearing or carrying a heart-shaped Rose Quartz pendant or charm is thought to attract love.

Rose Quartz is an alternate for Garnet as January's birthstone.

Metaphysical Properties:

Astrological Sign(s): Libra and Taurus

Element(s): All

Chakra(s): Heart to Crown

Unconditional love.

Self-love.

Friendship.

Nurturing.

Promotes the arts.

Calming and soothing.

Balances emotions.

Brings peace and harmony.

Boosts self-esteem and self-confidence.

Promotes compassion and forgiveness.

Healing.

Rejuvenating.

Gives physical aid in treating: Depression. Calms in crisis situations. Aids in weight loss. Skin and cell rejuvenation; clears complexion; prevents wrinkles. Circulatory system. Kidneys, liver, heart and lungs. Increases fertility. Protects against radiation.

NOTE:

Stone therapy should NOT take the place of medical evaluation and procedures, and should be used merely to enhance one's health and well-being.

My own thoughts and experiences:

Rose Quartz is a veritable love stone. It is a soft and gentle stone, and it is charming in more ways than one. Not only is it simply an attractive and alluring stone, but it also possesses the power to actually charm its bearer, and, in turn, may charm those he or she chooses to relate to. It opens our hearts to acknowledge and more easily identify all the beauty that surrounds us, not only within all things and within all others, but within ourselves. It also encourages forgiveness through its soothing, healing properties.

By inspiring a mood of love, I find Rose Quartz also encourages me to share this mood...be it through my artwork as it flows through my hands and off the tip of my pen or paintbrush, or through my relationships in both love and friendship. A stone I relate to the passions of Psyche and Eros, the lasting adoration of Selene and Endymion, the beauty of Aphrodite, and the grace and unconditional love of Hestia.

Although very effective when placed on your person and worn as jewelry (preferably a pendant close to the heart), another quick way of benefiting from the sensual and loving virtues of Rose Quartz is to make an elixir by infusing spring water with the stone's essence. To promote a calm and harmonious atmosphere to your surroundings, scatter several pieces of the stone in strategic places.

Rose Quartz not only promotes patience, friendship, and rejuvenation, but most importantly all forms of lasting love. When I buried my beloved black cat, Jazzman, I placed a Rose Quartz heart next to him, symbolic of the unconditional love we shared and of the love we will forever hold for each other.

Sources

"Gems & Crystals" ~ Anna Sofianides & Dr. George Harlow

"Rocks & Minerals" ~ Discovery Channel, Discovery Publishing

http://www.mineralminers.com/html/rsqminfo.htm

http://mineral. galleries.com/minerals/gemstone/rose_qua/rose_qua.htm

http://www.davesdowntoearthrockshop.com/rquartz.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_quartz