Rose quartz is the soft pink stone that shows up in love notes and gift boxes. It is gentle to look at and hard enough to wear every day. Here is what it is, what people have long said it means, and how to look after it.
What rose quartz is
Rose quartz is a pink variety of quartz. It rates about 7 on the Mohs scale, so it is tougher than other pink stones such as rhodochrosite and rhodonite. The color is usually pale and milky, and the stone is often cloudy or translucent instead of clear. Geologists still debate exactly what causes the pink.
What rose quartz traditionally means
Rose quartz is the classic stone of love and gentleness. It is linked in tradition with the heart, with compassion and with kindness toward yourself and others, which is why it is a popular gift. This is tradition and lore. It isn't a medical claim. You can read more about the stones we use in our gemstone meanings guide.
How to tell it from other pink stones
- Rose quartz: pale, milky pink with no bands and no black veins.
- Rhodonite: pink with black veining.
- Rhodochrosite: pink and white banding, and much softer.
Our guide to pink stones puts the three side by side.
A rose quartz piece from Ellie
The Rose Quartz & Tiger Eye Cluster Bracelet clusters rose quartz chips with tiger eye and freshwater pearls in soft pinks, browns and black, with a silver clasp and a little rose quartz cluster charm on the extender chain. If you like soft pink in other stones, the Rhodonite Stone Bracelet and the Bohemian Rhodochrosite & Garnet Bracelet are worth a look.
Rose Quartz & Tiger Eye Cluster Bracelet$80 CAD
Rhodonite Stone Bracelet$80 CAD
Bohemian Rhodochrosite & Garnet Bracelet$85 CAD
How to care for rose quartz
Rose quartz can lose some color if it sits in strong sunlight for a long time, so keep it out of direct sun. Put it on after perfume and lotion, and wipe it with a soft dry cloth. See our care guide for more.
Browse every piece
Everything is one of a kind and handmade by Ellie. See the full jewelry collection.
Related reading
- Amethyst meaning: what it is and what it stands for
- Rhodochrosite, rhodonite and rose quartz: the pink stones compared
- Healing stones and their meanings: a plain guide
- Gemstone jewelry gifts for her: ideas by budget and occasion
Gemstone jewelry by Ellie
Every piece is one of a kind, strung and wired by hand in Canada.
Explore the jewelry →Sources used: RockChasing, "Rhodonite vs Rhodochrosite"; Crystals.com; HowStuffWorks, stone meanings.