I do not think anybody has a good explanation for why rose quartz should be so rare amongst a family of minerals so abundant in nature. This is an incredible, GLOWING rose quartz that is literally rosy and not just "pink," from a small new find here that I am told was collected around January of 2008. The Pitorra Mine is well known for its large rose quartz crystals, but it is not so well known for specimens with such intense color, or an association with clear quartz as well - most are floating free of matrix and association. This color, as shown in the photos, is I think accurate. It is simply shocking. Aside from the color, though, the specimen has large, fine, translucent crystals and a good aesthetic form in both the crystal cluster itself, and in the way it is perched on contrasting matrix. Really, I think it is hard to ask for much more in a rose quartz specimen. This is a rare, very uncommon example where a specimen of rose quartz fro mmodern production in Brazil matches head to head with the classic old material from the late 60s and early 1970s from other mines in this area. This one has bigger, more translucent crystals as well, compared to the Sapucaia finds. To me, it is simply better. Comes with custom base.