Rose Quartz Quality Factors

This faceted rose quartz briolette weighs 18.29 carats. Its pastel color is a lovely example of the soft pink this gem is known for. - Robert Weldon, courtesy The Greenwood Group
This faceted rose quartz briolette weighs 18.29 carats. Its pastel color is a lovely example of the soft pink this gem is known for. - Robert Weldon, courtesy The Greenwood Group

The soft translucence and pale pink to deep pink shades of rose quartz appeal to gem lovers as well as crystal collectors.

Color
Rose quartz gets its name from its delicate pink color, ranging from very light pink (almost white) to medium-dark pink.

Deep pink shades are very popular for rose quartz, but they’re rare in small sizes. This gem displays noticeable color zoning.
It’s not uncommon to see some quartz varieties with color zoning. This rose quartz exhibits rich purple-pink areas of color.

Clarity
Tiny inclusions are responsible for the translucent appearance of most rose quartz. Finest-quality rose quartz is often transparent, so it’s usually faceted.

Microscopic, fibrous mineral inclusions can cause a cloudy appearance, even in fine-quality faceted rose quartz. - Robert Weldon
Tiny fractures can cause a cloudy appearance, even in fine-quality faceted rose quartz. - Robert Weldon

Cut
The inclusions in rose quartz can create a display of asterism when the gem is cut as a cabochon. It might also be faceted or fashioned into beads.

A well-defined six-rayed star adds value to this 170-ct. rose quartz. - Ricardo Cardenas
The cabochon cut promotes a striking star effect, called asterism, in this 170-ct. rose quartz. - Ricardo Cardenas

Carat Weight
Rose quartz is available in sizes large enough to inspire gem designers and carvers. Fashioned gems in larger sizes often display more intense color.

Gem designer John Dyer’s Regal Radiant cut shows off the soft pink color of this 63.37-ct. rose quartz. – Lydia Dyer, gem courtesy John Dyer & Co.
Gem designer John Dyer’s Regal Radiant cut shows off the pastel pink color and large size of this 63.37-ct. rose quartz. - Lydia Dyer, Gem courtesy John Dyer & Co.
An exquisite viola carved in rose quartz with 18K gold accents is featured in the “Symphony in Gemstones” collection. The gemstone “orchestra” was carved by Lothar Hermann of Idar-Oberstein, Germany. – Robert Weldon, gift of Art Sexauer
An exquisite viola carved in rose quartz with 18K gold accents is featured in the “Symphony in Gemstones” collection. The gemstone “orchestra” was carved by Lothar Hermann of Idar-Oberstein, Germany. – Robert Weldon, gift of Art Sexauer