Rose quartz is a type of quartz which exists in shades varying from a pale pink to rose red hue. The color is due to traces of impurities such as titanium, iron or manganese present in the Crystal. Some types of quartz contain microscopic needles that produce a stunning optical phenomenon called asterism.

An asterism is displayed by a gemstone in the shape of a “star” on its surface when it has been cut into a cabochon.

The Star-effect is caused by the dense inclusions of tiny fibers of rutile (also known as “silk”). The stars are caused by the light reflected by the needle-like inclusions of rutile. However, since rutile is always present in star gemstones, they are almost never completely transparent.

A distinction can be made between two types of asterism namely Epiasterism and Diasterism.

Epiasterism, such as that seen in sapphire and most other gems, is the result of a reflection of light on parallel inclusions inside the gemstone.

Diasterism, such as that seen in rose quartz is the result of light transmitted through the stone. In order to see this effect, the stone must be illuminated from behind.

The color in Rose quartz crystals is photosensitive and hence subjected to fading. The first rose quartz crystals were found in Rumford, Maine, USA. The crystals in the market come from Minas Gerais, Brazil.