Rose Quartz (fine quality)

Item Description

Rose Quartz is a well-known pink gem variety of Quartz. The cause of the color in these stones was debated for some time, but it has been proven that it's due to micro inclusions of pink colored fibrous Dumortierite. Dr. George Rossman at Caltech was able to prove this by dissolving away the Quartz part of Rose Quartz crystals, leaving only fibrous pink Dumortierite behind (see https://www.mindat.org/photo-743401.html ). With that said, the material is beloved for its unique color which ranges from a soft pink to a rather rich vivid pink from some localities. Rose Quartz stones are often used in cabochons as the material is rarely clean enough for faceted gems, because the majority of it is "milky" or "cloudy", but THIS stone has superb clarity for the material, certainly better than most you'll see in terms of optic clarity. This stone is a very impressive, light pink colored stone with a lovely "Round Brilliant" cut. It's an older stone also, dating back to the 1960s-1970s era. Valued at $1,159.50 retail.
This stone is from the estate of former Phoenix area dealer Marvin Rockey. Rockey's Gems was a significant business in the early days of Arizona lapidary material, and he was a prominent dealer and buyer in the Arizona area of local lapidary and carving material from throughout the state, along with material from Mexican localities. This stone was kept back from the retail stock for its quality and beauty, in a tray of special gems, and was found in his estate (sold to us only recently). Today, these are not only rarely seen but of a highly desirable old quality, and sought after by collectors and gem / jewelry enthusiasts alike.