Rose Quartz

by ShadowDogDesigns

Now I will be the first to admit that pink is not a favorite color of mine. Am not sure why - it just is. But there are two pink gemstones that I do enjoy using: natural rose quart and rhodochrosite. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I wanted to find out more about the stone: its geological formation, historical uses, metaphysical properties and any other interesting tidbits. I will also share some rose quartz jewelry creations handmade by talented members of the Jewelry Creators Unite in Numbers (JCUiN) guild.

Beautiful rose quartz earrings by the husband and wife team of Mendlbarr

Quartz is the single most abundant mineral on Earth, making up approximately 12% of the earth's crust (some say feldspar, but feldspar is a combination of minerals). Rose quartz is only one type of quartz; citrine, amethyst, tigers-eye, chalcedony, agates and many other stones are all technically quartz. The stone is found in a wide variety of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Interestingly, how rose quartz gets its color is not completely understood. It was thought that the color was due to minor impurities in the stone, such as titanium or even colloidal gold. Recently, however, X-ray diffraction tests show that the color is probably due to microscopic mineral fibers. These unidentified fibers might turn out to be a totally new mineral!

Such a lovely cluster ring made with rose quartz, amethyst and sterling silver by Tina of BlueTina

Normally found in the cores of large pegmatites (a coarse grained granite), rose quartz is mined in Germany, India, Madagascar, Scotland and several places in the United States. The most famous site in the U.S. is near Custer, North Dakota. However, most of the best quality rose quartz now comes from the Minas Gerais area of Brazil.

A beautiful, chunky rose quartz necklace by Catherine of ShadowDogDesigns

Rose quartz has been used as a gemstone and for other ornamental and religious purposes for thousands of years. Rose quartz beads dating back to 7000 BC have been found in the Mesopotamia area (Iraq). From about 800-600 BC, the Assyrians created jewelry with the stone. Romans considered the quartz to be a strong healing stone and also used it to make seals as a sign of ownership. The Egyptians thought rose quartz helped fight aging; they let a piece of rose quartz sit in water for several days and then would wash their faces in the water.

A wonderful carved rose quartz koi pendant (representing good luck, 

courage and perseverance) and pearl necklace by Roxanne of ShanghaiTai

Throughout history, rose quartz has been a stone symbolizing love and beauty - wearing or carrying a pendant or charm carved into a heart-shape was thought to attract love. Today rose quartz is considered the "Stone of Unconditional Love". Thought to bring peace and harmony into the home, it is believed to balance the emotions and open the heart to all forms of love, including romantic love, self-love, platonic love and maternal love. It is also said to help with developing compassion and forgiveness. Rose quartz is associated with the heart chakra.

A very symbolic necklace of rose quartz with a brass angel wing

created by Tammi of PinkSunsetJewelryDesigns

Here are a few more rose quartz selections from members of the JCUiN guild:

A flirty necklace of rose quartz fans and rounds created by Tracy of MzTracyr

Combining rose quartz with peridot and sterling silver, 

this delicate bracelet was made by Ginger of PersonalOasis

A stunning wire knitted necklace of rose quartz, shells and pearls

by Kath of kathselegantaccessories

Look at the intricate wire-wrapping encasing this rose quartz cabochon! 

It was created by Lee of StregaJewellry

Elegant faceted rose quartz and brass earrings by ArtisticPendants

I hope you have enjoyed learning more about the geological and human history of rose quartz and are inspired by the pieces of jewelry created by JCUiN guild members! To learn more about individual pieces, please follow the links provided. Also, if you are so inclined, please leave a comment. Thank you!