Madagascan Rose Quartz is a rare, classic ‘rose’ pink gemstone from Madagascar’s Antananarivo Province. A romantic gemstone historically known as the ‘gem of love’, Madagascan Rose Quartz is noted for its superior quality.
Hardness 7
Refractive Index 1.544 – 1.553
Relative Density 2.65
Enhancement None
Beauty
Rose Quartz is the pink variety of Quartz. Its colors range from a pastel pink to a rose pink hue, including orangey and violet pinks, and are believed to be caused by trace amounts of aluminum, phosphorous, or manganese, Dumortorite inclusions, or color centers.
While Rose Quartz can often be very opaque with just a hint of pink, Madagascan Rose Quartz is noted for its fine quality. Its key quality considerations are; translucency (soft radiating inner glow); beautiful classic ‘rose’ hues with an almost luminescent, misty appearance; a soft, subtle luster; and optimal lapidary.
While Rose Quartz can display a strong pleochroism (colors and their intensity change when viewed from different angles) in different shades of pink, this is not an issue for an experienced lapidary. Madagascan Rose Quartz is cut as cabochons (cut in convex form and highly polished, but not faceted) with an excellent finish, proportion and shape. Highly attractive and distinctly feminine, Madagascan Rose Quartz is finished eye-clean, the highest quality clarity grade for colored gemstones.
The modern name Quartz is derived from the Saxon word ‘querklufterz’, meaning cross-vein-ore. Madagascan Rose Quartz is a variety of macrocrystalline (large crystal) Quartz, a group which also includes Amethyst, Citrine, Lavender Quartz, Tibetan Quartz, and Tiger’s Eye. Cryptocrystalline (small crystal) Quartz gemstones include Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper, and Onyx.
Rarity
While Rose Quartz is found in many countries, the best gemstones come from the pegmatites (intrusive igneous rocks composed of interlocking crystals) of Brazil and Madagascar. One of Quartz’s most attractive and coveted varieties, Madagascan Rose Quartz of a fine quality is rare and always in high demand.
Madagascan Rose Quartz is from a deposit first reported in 1912 near the old village of Tsaramanga in Madagascar’s Antananarivo Province. Receiving no enhancements, Madagascan Rose Quartz is one of the few gemstones that are entirely natural.
Durability & Care
Madagascan Rose Quartz is a durable gemstone (Mohs’ Hardness: 7) well-suited to everyday wear. Always store Madagascan Rose Quartz carefully to avoid scuffs and scratches. Clean with gentle soap and lukewarm water, scrubbing behind the gem with a very soft toothbrush as necessary. After cleaning, pat dry with a soft towel or chamois cloth.
Map Location
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