What is rose quartz?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Rose quartz is the pale pink to soft peachy-rose variety of quartz, and it gets its colour from microscopic inclusions of a fibrous mineral rather than from a single trace element. It is usually translucent rather than fully transparent, often with a soft, slightly milky quality and sometimes fine white wispy inclusions. Hard and durable at 7 on the Mohs scale, it suits rings, pendants, cabochons and beads and is widely associated with love, compassion and emotional calm.
Frequently asked questions
- What does rose quartz symbolise?
- Rose quartz is traditionally linked with love, self-care and emotional warmth, and it is one of the most popular crystals worn for its associations with compassion and calm. Many people wear it as a reminder to be gentle with themselves and others.
- Is rose quartz durable enough for everyday jewellery?
- Yes, quartz sits at 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, so it is resistant to everyday scratches and handles daily wear well. It is softer than sapphire or diamond, so it is worth avoiding knocks, but it is perfectly practical for pendants, earrings and less-battered rings.
- Can rose quartz fade in sunlight?
- It can. Extended exposure to strong, direct sunlight over time can slowly bleach the colour in rose quartz. It is sensible to store pieces away from a sunny windowsill, though wearing it daily in normal Australian sunlight will not cause noticeable fading quickly.
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