Rose Quartz

Professional methods

Professional identification may include refractive-index measurement, specific-gravity testing, polarised-light microscopy and examination of optical properties. Raman spectroscopy can confirm quartz non-destructively, while X-ray diffraction can identify the crystalline structure. Advanced microscopy and spectroscopy can also be used to investigate microscopic inclusions and the origin of the pink colour. Gemological laboratories may use several techniques together when determining whether a specimen is natural, treated or an imitation. Common imitations and treatments Rose Quartz is commonly imitated by pink glass, dyed quartz, resin and other manufactured materials. Glass may contain rounded gas bubbles and can lack the natural internal structures expected in quartz. Resin or plastic imitations are usually considerably softer and lighter. Dyed quartz may show unusually intense colouring or concentrations of dye within cracks and surface-reaching fractures. Most natural Rose Quartz does not require treatment, although colour enhancement and dyed material can occur commercially. Extremely bright or unusually uniform pink material should therefore be examined carefully. Some synthetic or laboratory-grown quartz can also be produced, although natural massive Rose Quartz remains widely available and relatively common.