What Is A Mineral?
A strict definition of the term mineral is difficult to formulate! Generally
speaking, most minerals have the following
It has been said that, "If it can't be grown, it has to be mined." Minerals
play a major role in the way humans live,
particularly with respect to a standard of living. That is a true statement in the United States because we depend on minerals
for many things including toothpaste, fiber optics, concrete roads and skyscrapers, television, satellites, and automobiles. A
few minerals are mined primarily for their aesthetic value, rather than for their use in industry.
What Is Quartz?
Quartz is a very common mineral. Ideally, quartz is made of silicon
(Si) and oxygen (O) combined together as SiO2. Many
varieties of the quartz family are found in nature. Ignoring classification schemes, all varieties of quartz have essentially the
same chemical composition and crystalline structure. The differences between varieties depend on the method of formation,
the grain size, and the impurities in the mineral, which give rise to varying colors and color patterns. Quartz is generally
transparent to translucent . Agate is another type of quartz (refer to the State Gem-stone fact sheet).
Most quartz can be characterized by its glass-like appearance (shiny
luster ), its conchoidal fracture pattern (when broken,
the surface has a shape like a half clam-shell, as in a chip in a glass windshield), and its relative hardness (it will scratch
What Is Rose Quartz?
As one might guess, rose quartz is light to darker rose or pinkish-colored
quartz. Small amounts of the element titanium
probably give rose quartz its pink color. Usually rose quartz is coarsely crystalline (meaning the crystals are quite large).
Generally, the crystals do not have external faces because of interference from other growing crystals.
In South Dakota, the color of rose quartz ranges from pale shades of
pink to rose-pink to rose-red. Occasionally it has a faint
purplish or lavender cast. Rose quartz from certain localities in South Dakota exhibits distinct asterism . Asterism refers to a
rayed or star-shaped figure of light on the surface of a mineral sample. If a rose quartz sample exhibits asterism , it is called
star rose quartz. Usually star rose quartz can only be seen on cut and polished pieces of rose quartz. It is virtually impossible
to recognize asterism in an unpolished specimen.
How Does Rose Quartz Form?
Rose quartz is an igneous mineral that originates deep within the earth's
crust. It forms from the solidification of granitic
magma (molten rock). Within the earth, pluton s (huge masses of magma ) slowly migrate upward toward the surface of the
earth. A pluton is driven upward because magma is less dense than surrounding solid rock. This is analogous to a mixture of
oil and water. When mixed, the oil always seeks the higher elevation. Over time, the pluton s cool off and completely
solidify. Pluton s generally solidify miles beneath the earth's surface. In contrast, volcanoes and volcanic rocks are formed
by magma that erupts onto the surface of the earth, producing lava flows.
Near the end of its upward migration, a pluton 's temperature has been
lowered. Some of the magma has crystallized into
solid minerals. The fluid magma remaining near the fringe of the pluton tends to be rich in volatiles, water, silica, oxygen,
and some other elements. This magma may squirt and intrude into the surrounding and overlying rocks, fingering outward
from the main mass of the pluton along zones of weakness or fractures (see Figure 1). As the molten rock in these intrusion s
(pegmatite s) continues to slowly cool, rose quartz crystals may begin to form. Quartz crystals will continue to form and
grow larger until all the magma has crystallized. Other minerals, feldspar and mica, also are found commonly in pegmatites.
The term pegmatite refers to an exceptionally coarse-grained crystalline
rock. A pegmatite is defined by its coarse texture
rather than by a specific chemical composition. In general, the individual minerals in pegmatite intrusion s are larger than 1
centimeter (2.54 centimeters = 1 inch).
Where Is Rose Quartz Found In South Dakota?
In South Dakota, rose quartz is found in pegmatite s in the Southern
Black Hills area. These pegmatite s are associated with
the Harney Peak granite mass (which is now exposed at the surface of the earth because of erosion). It has been estimated
that there are about 24,000 pegmatite intrusion s in the Black Hills region (Norton and Redden, 1990). These pegmatite s
formed during the Precambrian, and are about 1,700 million years old.
How Is Rose Quartz Mined In South Dakota?
Of the thousands of pegmatite s present in the Black Hills area, it
has been estimated that only 300 or so are well suited for
mining. However, of these 300, probably fewer than 10 have sufficient quantities of rose quartz to make mining worthwhile.
All production is currently located near the city of Custer in the Southern Black Hills. The individual pegmatite s in the
Black Hills that have minable concentrations of minerals are generally less than 48.7 feet (15 meters) thick and between
32.5 and 325 feet (10 and 100 meters) long (Norton and Redden, 1990).
Pegmatite s are mined in an open pit type of quarry. Generally, the
rock is drilled using jack hammers. The holes are filled
with explosives and blasted. The pegmatite minerals are then separated and sorted by hand, a labor intensive process. End
loaders and picking belts increase the rate of production.
Because the amount of rose quartz mined in South Dakota is quite small
compared with other mineral resources, the South
Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) does not keep statistics specifically on rose quartz
production. One pegmatite, known as the Rose Quartz Mine or Scott's Rose Quartz Mine, located about 8 miles SE of Custer,
has probably produced more high quality rose quartz than any other pegmatite (J. Redden, pers. comm.). The DENR includes
rose quartz production with all other pegmatite mineral production. A telephone survey of the four companies that reported
mining pegmatite minerals during 1992 found that a total of approximately 1,400 tons of rose quartz was mined in 1992.
This total accounts for much less than one percent of the total amount of nonmetal, non-fuel industrial minerals and rocks
mined in South Dakota annually.
What Is The Value Of Rose Quartz?
Rose quartz was designated as South Dakota's state mineral on February
11, 1966. Rose quartz is currently mined in South
Dakota primarily for use as decorative pieces, in landscaping and interior decorating, as mineral specimens, in tiles, and in
lapidary work. Since rose quartz is a semi-precious gemstone, some use in jewelry is also reported.
A telephone survey of the four companies who mined rose quartz during
1992 concurred that a current estimate of the
average value of rose quartz is $1,000 to $1,200 per ton. Representatives from all four companies agreed that the value of
rose quartz primarily depends on what is done to the material after it is extracted from the ground. The price also depends on
the quality and color (a very subjective measure) of the stone. Most people seem to prefer the darker hues of rose quartz.
Small chips of rose quartz that are tumbled and polished have a retail
value of $10 to $12 per pound. A 10-pound,
medium-sized pair of bookends sells for $45 to $75. A perfectly polished sphere of rose quartz an inch and a half in
diameter may cost $30, but if it displays asterism , its value may increase to $125. Gem quality rose quartz sells for 50 cents
to $1.00 per gram (a golf ball weighs about 100 grams). A boulder the size of a large desk of good quality and with good
color may sell for $15,000.
In 1991, a new company began mining rose quartz from pegmatite s near
Custer. This company's production moved South
Dakota from the 25th to the 4th largest gem material producer in the country (Peterson and Hammond, 1993). For each ton of
rose quartz mined, approximately one-half of one percent is gem quality material.
What Regulations Apply To Collecting Rose Quartz?
Common sense dictates that safety should be the first consideration.
If a rock is hit with a hammer, safety glasses should be
worn. Watch out for other individuals and for falling rocks.
New legislation states that no more than one square meter of land may
be disturbed by people collecting for their own
enjoyment. In general, permission must be received before any samples are collected, and no collecting is allowed on state
or federal lands. For example, collecting is not allowed in Custer State Park. Small samples may be collected along South
Dakota's roads and highways after permission has been granted from the nearest Regional Department of Transportation
(DOT) office (Table 1). The DOT's concern is that rock removal may hasten erosion and road cut instability. Permission
must be obtained from the landowner before collecting begins on private lands. Permission must be granted from tribal
authorities before collecting begins on Indian lands. Collecting is, however, permitted in the Buffalo Gap National
Grasslands and in the Black Hills National Forest (E. Fritzsch, S.D. School of Mines and Technology, personal
Table 1. Regional Department of Transportation Offices
Aberdeen Regional DOT Office
Aberdeen, SD 57402-1767
Phone: (605) 622-2244
Mitchell Regional DOT Office
Mitchell, SD 57301-7206
Phone: (605) 995-4737
Pierre Regional DOT Office
104 South Garfield
Pierre, South Dakota 57501
Phone: (605) 773-3464
Rapid City Regional DOT Office
Rapid City, SD 57709-1970
Phone: (605) 394-2244
Definitions are adapted from Bates and Jackson (1987).
Asterism - an optical phenomenon of a rayed or star-shaped figure
of light displayed by some crystals.
Conchoidal fracture pattern - the broken or fractured surface of the mineral is smooth and curved.
Crystalline - said of a mineral particle of any size, having the internal structure of a crystal but lacking well-developed crystal faces or an external form that reflects the internal atomic structure.
Homogeneous - of uniform structure or composition.
Igneous - rocks or minerals formed by solidification from a molten or partially molten material. Can either be formed beneath the earth's surface (plutonic), or by volcanic activity.
Inorganic - pertaining or relating to a compound that contains no carbon.
Intrusion - the process of emplacement of magma in pre-existing rock.
Lapidary - refers to the art of cutting, grinding, polishing, and engraving precious stones.
Luster - the reflection of light from the surface of a mineral as described by its quality and intensity.
Magma - extremely hot, mobile, and mostly liquid rock, deep in the earth, from which igneous rocks form.
Pegmatite - exceptionally coarse, igneous rocks that form underground as intrusions from masses of magma.
Pluton - a huge mass of magma deep within the earth; it may be mostly liquid or completely solidified.
Translucent - capable of transmitting light but the light is diffused so that objects seen through it cannot be distinguished.
Transparent - capable of transmitting light and through which an object may be seen.
Volatiles - material in a magma (such as water or carbon dioxide) that may be concentrated in a gaseous state.
Bates, R.L., and Jackson, J.A., 1987. Glossary of geology (3d ed.).
Norton, J.J., and Redden, J.A., 1990. Relations of zoned pegmatites to other pegmatites, granite, and metamorphic rocks in
the southern Black Hills, South Dakota: American Mineralogist, v. 75, nos. 5-6, May-June 1990, p. 631-655.
Peterson, E.K., and Hammond, R.H., 1993. South Dakota 1991 Annual Report: U.S. Department of the Interior.
Roberts, W.L., and Rapp, G., Jr., 1965. Mineralogy of the Black Hills: Rapid City, South Dakota, South Dakota School of
Mines and Technology Bulletin Number 18.
Rock and Mineral Boxes, a collection of labeled, common rocks and minerals
(including some S.D. specimens) available
from the USD Geology Club, University of S.D., Vermillion, SD 57069.
South Dakota Mineral and Rock Club addresses:
BADLANDS-SANDHILLS EARTH SCIENCE CLUB
Contact: Donald Ormesher, HCR Box 61, Valentine, Nebraska 69201
BROOKINGS AREA GEM AND MINERAL SOCIETY
Contact: Pat Cheeseman, PO Box 494, Brookings, South Dakota 57006
CORN PALACE ROCK CLUB
Contact: Rodney Dodge, 1020 Palmer Place, Mitchell, South Dakota 57301
COTEAU DES PLAINES GEM AND MINERAL SOCIETY
Contact: Gary Witcher, 1105 4th Street NE, Watertown, South Dakota 57201
CUSTER CITY ROCK CLUB
Contact: Custer City Rock Club President, RR 1, Box 105, Custer, SD 57730
LEWIS AND CLARK GEM AND MINERAL SOCIETY
Contact: Ludwig Bertsch, 203 Pine, Box 153, Avon, South Dakota 57315
Contact: Museum of Geology, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701-3995
ROSEBUD GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Contact: Lloyd Meyer, RR 3, Box 114, Carter, South Dakota 57526-9200
SIOUX EMPIRE GEM AND MINERAL SOCIETY
Contact: Eugene Aldrich, 709 South Maple Avenue, Hartford, South Dakota 57033
WESTERN DAKOTA GEM AND MINERAL SOCIETY
Contact: Larry Lehr, PO Box 4096, Rapid City, South Dakota 57709-4096
Earth Sciences Department, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
Geology Department, S.D. School of Mines and Tech., 501 E. St. Joseph, Rapid City, SD 57701.
Museum of Geology, S.D. School of Mines and Tech., 501 E. St. Joseph, Rapid City, SD 57701.
South Dakota Geological Survey, Akeley Science Center, USD, Vermillion, SD 57069.
U.S. Geological Survey, Rm. 408 Federal Bldg., 200 4th Street SW, Huron, SD 57350.
Sarah Chadima, South Dakota Geological Survey, USD, Vermillion, SD 57069-2390. 1994.
Jack Redden, Geology Dept., S.D. School of Mines and Tech., Rapid City, SD 57701.
Publication of the Rose Quartz fact sheet was funded through
a Natural Resource Conservation Education Grant, USDA,