Quartz is one of the most abundant mineral substances on the globe. It is found in almost every mineral environment on Earth, and makes up the content of most rocks. Quartz can be found in many colors, and in large specimens. Although examination of a random piece of quartz you may have picked up off the ground may not conjure up images of colorful, sparkling gemstones, some of your favorite gems are actually quartz. Amethyst, Citrine, and Agate are all varieties of quartz.
One of my favorite stones from the quartz family is rose quartz. Natural rose quartz ranges from pale pink to a deeper rose tone. The darker the color, the more rare, and therefore, the more desirable. Rose quartz is opaque, and can have a mottled appearance which can includes shades of brown or gray. Since rose quartz is only slightly translucent, it is not cut and faceted the same way transparent gems are faceted. Rose quartz is usually tumbled and polished, and left in natural, organic nugget shapes or formed into round beads. It can also be carved. I’ve purchased rose quartz stones that have been carved into flowers, hearts, and seashell shapes.
My favorite way to use rose quartz in my own designs is to pair it with copper. Since copper has its own rosy hue, the combination is very complementary. However, pink is one of those colors that looks well paired with both warm and cool tones, and it is just as pretty set with sterling silver as it is with yellow gold.
If you are shopping for rose quartz, be aware that natural rose quartz is not a solid color like pink tourmaline or a pink sapphire. Intense, bright, or uniform pink coloration usually suggests the stone has been dyed. Reputable resellers will identify the color quality of a stone using a letter grading system, and will disclose whether a stone has been enhanced. A rating of “AAA” is superior to a single “A” grade, which is preferable to a “C” or lower color grade stone, etc.
Rose quartz is just one of many beautiful opaque, semi-precious gems. While this type of stone may not be as coveted as an emerald, sapphire, or diamond, the greater availability and the far lower cost makes owning lots of pretty, colorful jewelry possible for those of us on a budget. And really, who isn’t? If you love the color pink, then rock the rose quartz, and sparkle on!
Laura