Cerussite & Dioptase

Crystallized pink quartz, or rose quartz is one of the most rare quartz types. Unlike massive rose quartz, transparent single-crystal pink quartz is very uncommon in nature. The crystals form in pockets toward the end of the granitic-pegmatite evolution process, often accompanied by gem tourmaline and phosphate minerals.

The colour of rose quartz is still not completely understood. I wish herein to describe several impurity induced coloration mechanisms. In the early 1900s, studies which attributed the rose color to traces of manganese, Till the mid 50-60s, some studies reported identification of their

constituent as titanium existing substitutionally in silicon sites. It seems probable, as has also been suggested elsewhere, that the color is caused by a centre offering a more complex situation than titanium by itself, such as aluminium and titanium occurring as nearest neighbours in tho lattice.

Other studies suggest the pink color is caused by nano-scale dumortierite-like inclusion which is on the basis of optical absorption spectra of the fibers. Same observations are consistent with massive rose quartz worldwide. However, these fibers do not occur in the rare, euhedral variety of pink quartz.

Look at synthetic pink quartz may also give hints: in Japan, the material was grown hydrothermally from concentrated titanium-bearing alkaline solution. The

Japanese synthetic quartz was near-colorless in its as-grown state. The pink color was developed

through subsequent heat treatment and contamination of iron. Russia, All as-grown crystals are colorless; the pink color is developed by subsequent irradiation and heating. The intensity of the color depends on both the concentration of phosphorus in the fluoride solution and the irradiation and heating conditions.

Only a small number fine specimens were produced, although I got several specimens, this is a nice TN collection.

Quartz on microcline, 2.4cm, Pitorra claim, Laranjeiras, Galiléia, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Jingnan (Tom) Zhang Coll & Photo