Rose quartz
Rose quartz is a variety of the mineral quartz . It is pink in color, milky-cloudy to translucent and usually occurs in grainy to coarse aggregates . On the other hand, idiomorphic crystals (crystals with regularly developed surfaces) are referred to as pink quartz , which, in contrast to rose quartz, are rarely found. However, both terms are often used synonymously in a misleading way.
Color causes and optical effects
The causes of the pink color of rough, cloudy rose quartz and clear pink quartz are different.
The cause of the color in the case of rather cloudy rose quartz has long been controversial and many causes have been discussed, e.g. B. Incorporation of titanium , manganese or minerals containing manganese, light scattering on the finest rutile inclusions , inclusions of pink minerals or the interaction of iron and titanium ions in quartz . Recent studies have shown that the finest inclusions of a fibrous dumortierite- like mineral give rose quartz its color. Dumortierite, a borosilicate, is colored pink due to the combined incorporation of traces of iron and titanium .
Rose quartz in certain localities loses its color when exposed to sunlight, while rose quartz in other deposits has retained its color even after being exposed to sunlight for 50 years. When heated above 575 ° C, rose quartz loses its color.
Clear crystals of pink quartz do not get their color from inclusions, but from the combined incorporation of aluminum and phosphorus into the quartz structure and subsequent irradiation. The source of ionizing radiation is generally the decay of the radioactive potassium isotope 40 K. The color fades when exposed to UV light and when heated above 200 ° C.
In addition to the ever-present inclusions of the finest fibers from a dumortierite- like mineral, the finest rutile needles are often found . Both mineral inclusions are often oriented perpendicular to the prism axis (crystallographic c-axis) grown into the quartz and are responsible for the occasionally observed asterism of rose quartz. Occasionally rose quartz with a flat shimmer, the so-called chatoyance , are discovered. Technically correct, such stones are called "rose quartz cat's eye" or generally as cat's eye quartz .
Education and Locations
Rose quartz is found in granitic pegmatites , where it occurs together with potassium feldspar , schörl , cassiterite , beryl and phosphate minerals. Rose quartz is also found in massive hydrothermal quartz veins.
Clear, idiomorphic crystals of pink quartz are very rare. Is known z. B. the occurrence in the Sapucaia pegmatite in Minas Gerais , Brazil .
Use as a gem stone
Rose quartz and pink quartz are commonly used to make gemstones and art objects . Cloudy and coarse stones are more likely to be used to make figurative objects, cabochons and ball chains. Only clear crystals are suitable for faceted cuts .
Due to the similar color, there is a risk of confusion with the gemstones kunzite , morganite , rhodochrosite , rhodonite , pink topaz and tourmaline .
Manipulations and imitations
No real counterfeits of rose quartz are known to date, but processed jewelry and art objects with stones of improved color are offered again and again. In order to make pale rose quartz appear darker, rust-red grinding and polishing agents are often used when grinding such stones , which remains in the pores of the stone after completion.
Since 1992, it has also been possible to produce synthetically colored rose quartz in Russia, although the production of these syntheses has so far been very complex.
Esoteric
In esotericism , rose quartz is a powerful symbol of love and fertility. It should heal physical and mental weaknesses in love life, as well as z. B. relieve headaches, for the reason it is considered a healing stone . Furthermore it belongs to the heart chakra and is supposed to strengthen the organs in the heart area. Furthermore, it should be able to absorb harmful radiation (e.g. water veins, electrosmog). However, there is no scientific evidence for the area of action in esotericism.
Warning notice
Contrary to other claims, rose quartz should not be used as an infusion stone in the sauna . As a brittle mineral, quartz is generally sensitive to changing, strong thermal loads. Therefore, even without the infusion process itself, in which the stones are quenched , fragments can repeatedly be blasted off, which fly as sharp splinters across the sauna cabin and lead to serious injuries due to the hardness of the material. In addition, rose quartz quickly lose their pink color and disintegrate when used for longer as an infusion stone.
See also
literature
- Petr Korbel, Milan Novák: Mineral Encyclopedia (= Villager Nature ). Nebel Verlag, Eggolsheim 2002, ISBN 978-3-89555-076-8 , p. 88, 90 .
- GR Rossman: Colored varieties of the silica minerals . In: Mineralogical Society of America (Ed.): Silica. Physical Behavior, Geochemistry and Material Applications . tape 29 . Washington, DC 1994, ISBN 0-939950-35-9 , pp. 433-462 .
- Josef Paul Kreperat: Precious stones and minerals - healing powers - application - properties . Kosmos Verlag, ISBN 978-3-440-09230-9 , pp. 70 f .
Web links
- Mineral Atlas: Rose Quartz (Wiki)
- Realgems.org - Quartz (with picture examples of cut rose and pink quartz, as well as rose quartz with star effect)
Individual evidence
- ↑ Ulrich Henn: Gemstone Dictionary . Ed .: German Gemmological Society. Self-published, Idar-Oberstein 2001, ISBN 3-932515-24-2 , p. 78 .
- ^ A b Walter Schumann: Precious stones and gemstones. All kinds and varieties. 1900 unique pieces . 16th revised edition. BLV Verlag, Munich 2014, ISBN 978-3-8354-1171-5 , pp. 138 .
- ↑ Karrer gemstones - rose quartz
- ↑ a b Bernhard Bruder: Decorated stones. Recognizing imitations and manipulations in gemstones and minerals . Neue Erde Verlag, 2005, ISBN 978-3-89060-079-6 , pp. 92 .