A Rare Find

Andrew found this large and beautiful piece of rose quartz in southern Delaware County and brought it home to me knowing it is one of my favorites gems. Rose quartz is a rare find in Ohio as most of it in the U.S. is found out west (although it can occur anywhere that clear quartz occurs).  The well known gems citrine and amethyst are both quartz. 

Identification of Rose Quartz:

• Chemistry: SiO2.
• Colour: pale-pink to rose-red
• Cleavage: None
• Mohs scale: hardness 7
• Luster: Vitreous
• Transparency: opaque to translucent, rarely transparent
• Refractive index: nω = 1.54-1.55
• Birthstone: January

 
History:
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.

Geographic distribution:
Rose quartz occurs at many pegmatite locations all over the world. Especially in Madagascar, South-Africa, Namibia, U.S.A. (South Dakota), and Brazil (Bahia and Minas Gerais).

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