Like other forms of quartz, rose quartz is an igneous mineral formed from the solidification of granitic magma deep inside the earth. Because of its color variations, ranging from pale pink to shades of lavender and purple, rose quartz is used in jewelry-making and carving, as well as other decorative arts. Although rose quartz is not a true precious stone, it can command prices of over $1,000 per ton, and a bag of small polished chips can cost between $10 and $15 per pound.
In the United States, only small quantities of rose quartz are mined, particularly in South Dakota, where the stone has been named the state mineral. However, in other parts of the world, rose quartz is mined as part of the ongoing trade in precious and semiprecious stones. In the African nations of Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, for example, rose quartz is generally extracted along with other stones in small-scale or "artisanal" mining operations, since most deposits of colored gemstones are relatively small and low-yielding.
Positive economic impacts of mining rose quartz and other gemstones are largely seen in developing countries, such as the African nations. Although the mining operations established to extract these stones are often relatively small, the establishment of mining operations of any size in undeveloped areas can lead to better roads, telecommunications and community resources. In depressed areas, gemstone mining can provide an alternative source of income during certain seasons, and new mines may bring job opportunities.
Although gemstone mining operations tend to be relatively small, from the low-tech "artisanal" mines dug by individuals to the small mines operating as scaled-down versions of larger ones, mining in general can have a negative impact on the earth and the communities in which it takes place. Poor sanitation and hygiene around standing water can lead to diseases. Unsafe mining technology costs lives when tunnels collapse or workers develop lung disease, and air and ground pollution takes a toll on humans and the environment. Although the yield tends to be small, the economic consequences of mining rose quartz and other semi-precious gemstones can be high.