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Gemstone encyclopedia

Every gemstone, explained

What each stone is, how it wears in jewellery, and what to ask before you choose one. Browse by colour, or go straight to a letter.

This encyclopedia is educational. Inclusion does not confirm current Ralph Jacobs stock, sourcing, availability or suitability for a particular jewellery design.

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Quick overview

Rose quartz

Rose quartz is a soft pink variety of quartz. Learn what gives it colour, why it looks translucent, when it shows a star, and how to wear and clean it.

Classification
Mineral variety
Mohs hardness
7 (scratch resistance — one part of durability)
Wear considerations
Rose quartz is 7 on the Mohs scale, but quartz is quite brittle and can be damaged even by much softer things. It is usually cut as cabochons or beads, or carved. Rose quartz is generally stable in light, though the rare clear crystalline pink quartz can fade, and high heat can remove its colour.
Treatment
Irradiation (occasional) to intensify colour
Care
Warm, soapy water is a safe way to clean rose quartz. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners. Ultrasonic cleaning can damage quartz that is cracked inside, and quartz with large fluid inclusions may…
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Individual gemstones vary. Care depends on treatment, setting and condition. Encyclopedia inclusion does not confirm availability.

Individual gemstones vary · care depends on treatment, setting and condition · birthstone traditions vary · encyclopedia inclusion does not confirm availability.