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What is Rose Quartz?

rose quartz

Rose quartz is a translucent pink to rose-red variety of quartz. It is rarely found as a crystal and is far more common in massive form.

Among gemstones, rose quartz is considered a semiprecious stone that may be used in jewelry. The earliest known use of rose quartz in civilization was in 7000 BC, where in archaeological sites, researchers have found beads made from Rose Quartz in Egypt and other ancient civilizations.

Rose quartz stones that are nearly transparent are sometimes cut to make flat surfaces called facets, to better reflect light. Rose quartz is also popular in the new age community for perceived metaphysical properties. (1)

Rose quartz has a hardness of 7 and no cleavage, which make it an excellent choice for any type of jewelry use. This quartz variety has long been known as an opaque to translucent gem material. Indeed, it remains a popular choice for spheres, beads, decorative objects, and other types of carvings as well as cabochons. 

In the 1980s, transparent material was discovered in Madagascar. As a result, faceted rose quartzes entered the jewelry stone market. 

With romantic associations due to its color as well as good durability, rose quartzes can make beautiful and affordable engagement ring stones. Rose quartzes are also considered alternative gemstones for 2nd and 5th wedding anniversary gifts.

Identifying Rose Quartzes

Rose quartzes cut as gems seldom show transparency, especially above 20-30 carats. Large spheres will appear milky at best.

Asterism (1)

Asterism, or the “star stone” effect, occurs rarely in quartz but is especially striking in rose quartzes. Since these gems may contain microscopic inclusions of rutile needles, cabs can sometimes show a six-rayed star when properly cut. Some cabs may display chatoyancy, a “cat’s eye” effect. 

Rose quartzes may also display another phenomenal effect, Tyndall scattering, which occurs very rarely in gemstones. Fine particles of the appropriate size suspended in a medium can make light appear blue. While dust in the air makes the daytime sky blue, inclusions in some rose quartzes can turn all or part of the gem blue, when light strikes at the proper angle. This rare effect appears relatively frequently in Madagascar material.

Rose quartz may share its color with some other very popular gemstones, but its specific gravity (2.651) and refractive index range (1.544-1.553) can help readily distinguish it from pink varieties of sapphire, spinel, tourmaline, and topaz, as well as the more rarely encountered kunzite.

Be aware that rose quartzes are sometimes sold under the misleading names of “American Ruby” or “Bohemian Ruby.” Of course, quartz and ruby (corundum) are distinct gem species.

What is “Pink Quartz”?

Although rose quartzes receive their pink color from inclusions, researchers have discovered another rarer type of pink quartz that gets its color through a different process. Natural irradiation causes color centers based on aluminum (Al) or phosphorus (P) to replace silicon (Si) in the quartz atom lattice.

Pink Quartz 2
Pink Quartz (1)

Although this quartz is still called “rose quartz,” some researchers have suggested naming it “pink quartz” to distinguish it from the more commonly encountered rose quartz, since it demonstrates some different physical and optical properties. Pink quartzes occur in euhedral or regular, distinct crystal shapes with well-formed faces, whereas rose quartzes occur in anhedral or irregular, intergrown crystal shapes with less distinct faces. Pink quartz may also show greater transparency.

Most significantly for jewelry use or display, pink quartzes have significant sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light. They can lose their color rapidly under exposure. Irradiation can restore the color. 

In contrast, the more common rose quartzes don’t have this sensitivity. (2)

Is love on your mind?

Whether you’re searching for a new relationship, deepening a romantic partnership, learning to love yourself, or simply wanting to bring more love into your life, Rose Quartz crystals and jewelry are the perfect for you.

(1)

As a stone of love, the Rose Quartz meaning represents a powerful crystal for anyone seeking to bring more love into their life. The Rose Quartz healing properties connect to the heart chakra, the center of love. By opening and healing your heart center, the Rose Quartz chakra helps guide you to deepen relationships and embrace kindness, compassion, tenderness, and love toward yourself and those around you. (3)

Stone Sizes

Unlike most other colored crystalline quartz varieties, rose quartz doesn’t form large, facetable rough. Transparent gems rarely exceed 30 carats, although translucent specimens can weigh several pounds.

The Smithsonian Institution holds a sphere of Brazilian star rose quartz that weighs 615 carats.

Caring for Rose Quartzes

Since rose quartzes often contains inclusions, refrain from cleaning these gems with mechanical systems. Instead, use warm water, detergent, and a soft brush.

Reserve any jewelry made from the euhedral “pink quartz” variety for evening or occasional wear only. Store it in darkness, away from sunlight or other UV light sources, to preserve its color. (2)

Sources

(1) Wikipedia
(2) International Gem Society
(3) Energy Muse

In My Shop

Plush Pink Jewelry Sets

Plush Pink Jewelry Sets

$37.00

These Plush Pink Jewelry Sets are composed of 8mm Red Rhodochrosite, 6 & 8mm Natural Rose Quartz Gemstone, 10mm Orange Moonlight Sunstone, Gold-plated Spacer Beads, Bead Caps and Earring and Necklace Components

2 in stock

SKU: SJDB176
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What is Tiger’s Eye?

Tiger's Eye Stone

Tiger’s eye, also called tiger eye, is a chatoyant gemstone. It is usually a metamorphic rock with a golden to red-brown color. It also has a silky luster. Tiger’s eye and the blue-colored hawk’s eye are part of the quartz group. They gain their silky, lustrous appearance from the parallel intergrowth of quartz crystals. Altered amphibole fibers, mostly turned into limonite, also contribute. (1)

Silky and dressed in ocean shades, the Blue Tigers Eye stone is full of soothing energy. It is known for its ability to bring emotional balance, comfort, and harmony. These properties benefit all who call on its protective energy. Blue Tigers Eye is known by other names – Falcon’s Eye, Tigers Eye, Hawks Eye, Ox Eye, and Tiger Iron. . You can get gold Tigers Eye, Red Tigers Eye, and Blue Tigers Eye and each carry their own properties. The blue color version shares similar vibes with the classic Tigers Eye. It represents the transition point between a stone turning from Hawks Eye to Tigers Eye. At this earlier stage, it weaves in those spiritual elements of blue. 

(3)

Tigers Eye has been linked to the energy of the sun god Ra since ancient times. It was beloved as a talisman in battle due to its breath of courage and rare resilience. This good luck stone can be found in India, Brazil, Canada, and Namibia. We take a deep dive into the healing properties of the Blue Tigers Eye.

The Blue Tigers Eye is a stunning spiritual stone. It uniquely balances nurturing strength and courage. It also ensures you stay calm and connected, no matter what life throws at you. As a strong and willing stone, the Blue Tigers Eye works across the body, mind, and soul. We take a look at the physical and metaphysical properties of this blue balancing gem. (2)

(3)

Gems are usually given a cabochon cut to best display their chatoyance. Red stones are developed by gentle heat treatments. Dark stones are artificially lightened to improve color using a nitric acid treatment.[9]

Honey-colored stones have been used to imitate the more valued cat’s eye chrysoberyl, cymophane. However, the overall effect is often unconvincing. Artificial fiber optic glass is a common imitation of tiger’s eye, and is produced in a wide range of colors. (1)

In My Shop

Blue Tiger’s Eye Necklace

Blue Tiger’s Eye Necklace

$36.00

This Blue Tiger’s Eye Necklace is composed of 10mm Natural Blue Tiger’s Eye and 6mm white spacer beads along with silver plated necklace components.

1 in stock

SKU: SJDB004
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Sources

(1) Wikipedia
(2) Tiny Rituals
(3) Photos by Freepik

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What is Anhydrite (Angelite)?

Angelite in hands

Rare and difficult to cut, anhydrite is seldom faceted. However, this material can be carved into beautiful objects. “Angelite,” a blue-gray variety, has become a popular choice for lapidary arts.

This translucent, blue-gray anhydrite variety known by the trade name “angelite” or “angeline” has become a popular gem material. Discovered in Peru, it was introduced to worldwide gem markets in the late 1980s. This material has been used for beads, spheres, and carvings. Of course, these trade names carry deliberate angelic connotations. The gem’s color may evoke sky blue or, perhaps, a “heavenly” blue.

Does Anhydrite Make a Good Jewelry Stone?

Anhydrite doesn’t occur in abundance. When exposed to water over time, it alters into the much more commonly found gypsum. Not surprisingly, facetable material is rarer still.

With excellent cleavage planes in three directions, anhydrites also prove challenging to cut and fragile for wear. Furthermore, with a hardness range of 3-3.5, they’re very susceptible to scratching, which further limits their use as jewelry stones. Avoid ring use and use protective settings whenever possible with this gem. Consider creating earrings, pendants, and bracelets, instead. Artisans have carved objects and cut cabochons from this material. Of course, carvings and decorative objects will hopefully face fewer risks than jewelry.

Close-up view of a polished anhydrite stone showcasing brown and yellow bands with intricate patterns.
Anhydrite Bowel Stone (2)

Other Anhydrite Varieties

Although angelite is the most well-known anhydrite variety, various types of anhydrites with lapidary uses or unusual appearances have also received trade names. (1)

  • Bowel Stone
    Anhydrite that occurs in folded, concretionary forms is known as bowel stone. This variety name also carries deliberate connotations.
  • Blue “Egyptian” Anhydrite
    The Ancient Egyptians used white anhydrite as well as a distinctive blue-tinted variety to create beautiful objects. However, the ancient source of the blue material, which takes a good polish, has never been found.
  • Vulpinite
    This white-gray, marble-like textured material from Volpino, Italy is used locally for cabs and as a decorative stone.

Identifying Characteristics

Because of the intersection of anhydrite’s cleavage planes at right angles, these gems may break apart and reveal cube-like (pseudo-cubic) forms. This appearance has led to another name for this gemstone: “cube spar.” Despite appearances, anhydrites have an orthorhombic crystal habit, not a cubic or isometric habit. (1)

Blue “Egyptian” Anhydrite (2)

How to Care for Anhydrites

Keep any anhydrites dry, especially if placed in storage. They will readily absorb moisture and, over time, turn wholly or partly into gypsum.

Don’t wipe dust off anhydrites. Since household dust consists mostly of silicon quartz, which is far harder (7) than anhydrites, you’ll scratch them. Pat them with a lint-free cloth, instead. (1)

Sources
(1) International Gem Society
(2) FreePik

In My Shop

Angelite and Agate Necklaces

Angelite and Agate Necklaces

$32.00

These Angelite and Agate Necklaces are composed of 8mm Natural Green Angelite Gemstone, 8mm Natural Blue Dragon Agate, silver-plated round spacer beads and magnetic clasps.

2 in stock

SKU: SJDB149
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