Pink gemstones have been popular for jewellery and décor items for thousands of years. They are adored for their enticing colours and mesmerizing glow. Pink gemstones serve an obvious aesthetic purpose in creating beautiful jewellery and décor items.
This guide provides a complete list of names of natural pink gemstones and their unique characteristics.
Popular pink gemstones include:
-
Pink Diamond
-
Pink Sapphire
-
Morganite
-
Pink Tourmaline
-
Pink Spinel
-
Rose Quartz
These gems are prized for their beauty, rarity, and symbolic meanings. This article covers the names, properties, and uses of natural pink gemstones for jewelry enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone interested in pink gemstones. Whether you are looking for a unique engagement ring or simply want to add a pop of colour to your jewellery collection, pink gemstones are a great choice. With so many different types of pink gemstones to choose from, there is sure to be a stone that perfectly suits your style and personality.
At Fierce Lynx, pink is one of our most-designed colour families — from the delicate blush of rhodonite to the deep strawberry flash of certain tourmalines. There's a warmth to pink stones that translates into jewellery in a way few other colours do. We've worked with most of the stones in this guide, and we'll share a few of our favourites along the way.
Understanding Pink Gemstones
Pink gemstones are a popular choice for jewellery due to their delicate and feminine appearance. They span many shades of pink, from soft blush tones and delicate pastel blushes to intense pinks and vibrant, glowing neon fuchsias, and can be found in a range of gemstones, including diamonds, sapphires, and tourmalines.
Pink gemstones derive their hues from trace elements such as manganese, chromium, or iron. The colour of a pink gemstone is determined by the presence of these trace elements in the crystal structure. The intensity of the colour can vary depending on the concentration of these elements.
When it comes to cut and shape, pink gemstones can be found in various styles, from traditional round cuts to more modern and unique shapes. The cut of a gemstone can greatly affect its brilliance and sparkle, making it an important consideration when selecting a piece of jewellery.
Carat weight is another important factor to consider when purchasing a pink gemstone. Larger stones are generally more valuable, but rarity and quality also play a role in determining value.
While pink gemstones are popular, some varieties are rarer and more valuable than others. For example, pink diamonds are one of the world’s rarest and most valuable gemstones.
Regarding durability, pink gemstones can vary by type. Some, like diamonds and sapphires, are very durable and can withstand daily wear and tear. Others, like opals and pearls, are more fragile and require special care.
The refractive index is another important factor to consider when selecting a pink gemstone. This refers to the gemstone’s ability to bend light, which affects its brilliance and sparkle.
Finally, inclusions are natural imperfections found in many gemstones. While they can affect the clarity and value of a gem, they can also give it a unique and interesting appearance.
Overall, when selecting a pink gemstone, it is important to consider factors such as colour, cut, carat weight, rarity, durability, refractive index, and inclusions to ensure you get a high-quality and beautiful piece of jewellery.
🌸 Looking for pink gemstone jewellery handcrafted in small batches? Our current pink collection includes rhodonite, strawberry quartz, rose quartz, pink opal, kunzite, and thulite — each piece designed around the character of the stone, not just its colour. Explore the collection →
Types of Pink Gemstones
Pink gemstones include Pink Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Morganite, Pink Tourmaline, Pink Spinel, and Rose Quartz.
Pink gemstones come in a variety of shades and hues, from pale pastels to deep, rich tones. Here are some of the most popular pink gems, each with unique characteristics and properties.
Pink Sapphire
Pink sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum and is prized for its intense, saturated pink colour. It is a durable gemstone with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear. Pink sapphires are a popular alternative to pink diamonds and are often more affordable. They are durable and come in shades from light pink to hot pink. They look stunning when set in white gold or platinum.
Pink sapphire is often used in engagement rings, as it is thought to symbolize love and commitment. Shop all sapphire jewellery.
Morganite
Morganite is a type of beryl ranging from pale pink to a peachy pink colour, and the most sought-after stones can show a deeper, rosier saturation. It is a relatively hard gemstone, with a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale.
Morganite is becoming increasingly popular in jewellery due to its soft, feminine pink hue, and buyers often prefer a deep rose pink to a very washed-out shade. It is often paired with rose gold to create a romantic, vintage-inspired look. Morganite is said to promote trust and harmony in relationships, enhancing emotional connections.
Pink Tourmaline
Pink tourmaline is a gemstone that comes in a wide range of pink shades, from pale pink to deep magenta. It is a relatively hard gemstone, with a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear.
Pink tourmaline is thought to promote love and compassion and is often used in healing and spiritual practices. It is also widely used in jewelry and often paired with yellow gold to create a warm, romantic look.
Pink tourmaline is one of the most versatile stones in the pink family — it ranges from the palest candy floss to an almost-red intensity, and it plays beautifully alongside other stones. Our Ethereal Lynx Limited Edition Bracelet Set ($88) features tourmaline alongside labradorite for a set with real depth and flash. For something warmer and richer, Cabernet Dreams ($99) weaves tourmaline through a garnet-and-labradorite palette that feels like a late autumn evening.
Pink Diamond
The pink diamond is among the rarest and most valuable of all colored diamonds. As part of the broader category of coloured diamonds, natural pink diamonds range from pale pink to deep pink colour and can command roughly $10,000 to $100,000 per carat.
Investment-grade stones should have certification from reputable labs such as GIA, with fancy intense pink among the top value grades. Carbon atoms influence pink diamond colour, with higher levels linked to a deeper, more intense hue. Pink diamonds are often used in high-end jewelry and are a popular choice for engagement rings, often paired with white gold or platinum to create a striking contrast. Lab-created pink diamonds offer a more affordable alternative with a similar look.
Rose Quartz
Rose quartz is a pale pink gemstone with a soft pink colour, often used in jewellery and decorative objects. It is a relatively soft gemstone, with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, and is often cut into cabochons or used in beadwork.
Rose quartz is often used in bohemian-inspired jewellery. It is a great alternative to more expensive pink gemstones and looks beautiful when paired with rose gold. Rose quartz is said to promote love and emotional healing and is a popular choice for meditation and spiritual practices.
Shop Rose Quartz Jewellery. Rose quartz is one of the most universally loved stones we work with — its energy is gentle and genuinely comforting. Our Fierce Affection - Rose Quartz & Amazonite Bracelet Set ($88) pairs rose quartz with blue-green amazonite for a colour combination that’s both calming and joyful. For something more playful, the Passionate Lynx Special Edition Bracelet Set ($40) keeps the focus entirely on rose quartz’s signature blush.
Strawberry Quartz
Strawberry quartz is a variety of quartz that is characterized by its pinkish-red colour and the presence of small, dark red or black inclusions that resemble strawberry seeds. These inclusions are typically made up of iron oxide or goethite and give the quartz its distinctive appearance.
Strawberry quartz is often used in jewellery-making and as a decorative stone due to its unique and attractive appearance.
Strawberry quartz is one of those stones that genuinely surprises people when they see it in person — the depth of colour and those dark, seed-like inclusions make it look almost edible. We designed our Voyage to Kyoto Bracelet Set ($85) around it — a sakura-season-inspired stack pairing strawberry quartz with moonstone, black spinel, and a hand-painted Venetian glass bead. It's one of our most striking pieces.
Pink Pearl
Pink pearls are cultured pearls that come in a range of shades, from pale pink to deep rose, and some—especially Akoya pearls—can show a pink overtone that adds warmth to their lustre. They are often prized in fine jewellery for their lustre and beauty.
Pink pearls are said to promote love and emotional healing and are often used in healing and spiritual practices.
Pink Opal
Pink opal is a gemstone ranging from pale pink to deep rose. It is a relatively soft gemstone, with a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, and is often used in beadwork and cabochons.
It ranges from delicate pale tones to medium pink and should be handled more carefully than harder stones such as pink topaz, which has a Mohs hardness of 8. Pink opal is said to promote emotional healing and balance, making it a popular choice for meditation and spiritual practices.
Pink opal has a softness that photographs beautifully and wears even better — it’s milky and luminous without being flashy. We pair it with black onyx in our Fierce Equilibrium Bracelet Set ($71) for a contrast that lets each stone do its best work, and the matching Fierce Equilibrium Earrings ($85) pair beautifully with the bracelet or wear them separately.
Pink Spinel
Pink spinel is one of the great overlooked stones in the gemstone world — historically mistaken for ruby, it has the same brilliance and depth but is far rarer and considerably less expensive. Its hardness of 8 makes it excellent for jewellery.
We use black spinel as a foil in several of our pink designs, including Voyage to Kyoto ($85), where it anchors the lighter pink tones beautifully.
Pink Topaz
Pink topaz, often sold as a pink topaz stone, is one of the harder pink stones, at 8 on the Mohs scale, making it very durable for everyday wear, but most commercial material is treated pink topaz rather than the rarer natural material.
Treatments such as heat or irradiation are common and usually permanent, so buyers should ask whether a stone is natural or treated. Natural pink topaz is quite rare, and many stones start as colourless or yellow rough.
Pink Zircon
Natural pink zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth — some specimens date back over 4 billion years, and its colour can range from soft pink to deep pink, with richer stones looking especially lively because of the gem’s brilliance.
It has exceptional brilliance due to its high refractive index, often rivalling diamond in sparkle. Not to be confused with cubic zirconia, which is a synthetic material.
Pink Moonstone
Pink moonstone is a gemstone that ranges in colour from pale pink to peachy pink. It is a relatively soft gemstone, with a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, and is often used in beadwork and cabochons.
Pink moonstone is said to promote emotional healing and intuition, making it a popular choice for meditation and spiritual practices. Shop moonstone jewellery.
Pink Coral
Pink coral is an organic gemstone rather than a mineral — it's the skeletal remains of marine coral organisms. Ethically sourced coral jewellery is increasingly difficult to find as many coral species face pressure from warming oceans. If you love the coral-pink colour family, thulite and rhodonite offer similar warmth in a sustainable form.
Pink Kunzite (Spodumene)
Spodumene is a pink gemstone often used as a source of lithium. The gem comes in various colours, including pink, green, yellow, and white. Kunzite is the pink variant of spodumene, specifically a pink-to-violetish-pink variety, and is popular in jewellery. It has a vitreous lustre and is often cut as a faceted stone.
Kunzite has a lilac-pink quality that photographs differently in every light — it’s one of those stones that people consistently underestimate until they see it in person. We feature it in our Fierce Optimism Bracelet Set ($69) alongside lepidolite and thulite, and in the Lilac Ombre Bracelet ($36) for a softer, tonal approach to the purple-pink spectrum. It is light-sensitive and may fade with prolonged sun exposure.
Pink gems from our studio in New Brunswick
Here are some of our favourite pink-toned pieces currently available — each one designed around the specific character of its stone rather than just its colour:
-
Fierce Understanding - Blue Lace Agate & Rhodonite — $135 · compassion and calm
-
Voyage to Kyoto - Strawberry Quartz & Moonstone — $85 · sakura season after dark
-
Fierce Equilibrium - Pink Opal & Black Onyx — $71 · luminous contrast
-
Fierce Optimism - Kunzite, Lepidolite & Thulite — $69 · the lilac-pink family
-
Fierce Affection - Rose Quartz & Amazonite — $88 · gentle and joyful
-
Fierce Self Love - Lepidolite & Tourmaline — $42 · a daily reminder
-
Single Stone Stackable - Rhodochrosite — $18 · the perfect entry point
Browse all pink gemstone jewellery →
Lesser-Known Pink Gemstones
While pink diamonds and sapphires are well-known, many other pink gemstones are equally stunning and unique. Here are a few lesser-known pink gems worth exploring:
Chalcedony
Chalcedony is a type of quartz that comes in various colours, including pink. It has a waxy lustre and is often used for carving and cabochons. Pink chalcedony, also known as rose chalcedony, is often used in jewellery.
Rhodochrosite
Rhodochrosite is a mineral that is typically pink, red, or orange in colour and is composed of manganese carbonate. It is often found in association with other manganese minerals, as well as with silver, copper, and lead minerals.
Rhodochrosite is a relatively soft mineral, with a hardness of 3.5-4 on the Mohs scale, and is often used as a gemstone or ornamental stone.
Rhodochrosite is rarer in jewellery than rhodonite — its softness (3.5–4 on Mohs) means it needs gentle handling — but it's worth seeking out for its pure, candy-stripe pink banding. We carry it as a Single Stone Stackable ($18), a lovely way to layer a rhodochrosite piece with more durable stones.
Rhodonite
Rhodonite is a pink-to-red mineral typically found in metamorphic rocks. It is composed of manganese, calcium, and iron silicate and is often used as a gemstone or ornamental stone.
Rhodonite is known for its distinctive pink and black coloration, which is caused by the presence of manganese oxide inclusions within the mineral.
Rhodonite is one of our favourite pink stones to design with because of that distinctive black manganese veining — no two pieces are identical, and the contrast between the rose pink and the dark patterning gives it a maturity that softer pink stones sometimes lack. Our Fierce Understanding Bracelet Set ($135) pairs rhodonite with blue lace agate for a combination of compassion and calm that we come back to again and again. For something more entry-level, the Classic Lynx Dumortierite & Rhodonite Set ($76) is a beautiful everyday wear.
Apatite
Apatite is a gemstone that comes in various colours, including pink. Pink apatite is also known as rose apatite. It is a variety of the mineral apatite that is characterized by its pink to reddish colour.
It has a vitreous lustre and is often cut as a faceted stone. Pink apatite is a rare gemstone that is often used in jewellery.
Calcite
Calcite is a mineral that comes in a range of colours, including pink. Pink calcite is also known as Manganoan calcite or Mangano calcite. The pink colouration is due to manganese in the mineral.
It has a vitreous to pearly lustre and is often used for carving and cabochons. Pink calcite is a popular gemstone that is often used in jewellery.
Feldspar
Feldspar is a mineral that comes in a range of colours, including pink. It has a vitreous to pearly lustre and is often used for carving and cabochons.
Pink feldspar is a popular gemstone that is often used in jewellery. Shop feldspar rich sunstone jewellery.
Hematite
Hematite is a mineral that comes in a range of colours, including pink. It has a metallic lustre and is often used for carving and cabochons.
Pink hematite is a popular gemstone that is often used in jewellery.
Poudretteite
Poudretteite is a rare mineral that was first discovered in 1965 at the Poudrette Quarry in Quebec, Canada. It is a member of the beryl family of minerals, which also includes emerald and aquamarine.
Poudretteite is typically pink to violet in colour and is often used as a gemstone due to its rarity and attractive appearance. It is a relatively soft mineral, with a hardness of 5-6 on the Mohs scale, and is found in relatively small quantities in only a few locations around the world, including Madagascar, Myanmar, and Canada. Due to its rarity and unique properties, poudretteite is highly valued by collectors and gemstone enthusiasts.
Thulite
Thulite, also known as pink zoisite, is the pink variety of zoisite, with a pink-to-red colour. It has a vitreous to pearly lustre and is often used for beads, cabochons, carvings, and occasionally jewellery.
Thulite is usually found in Norway and is not often found in jewellery.
Thulite is genuinely underappreciated — it’s Norway’s national stone and has a vivid coral-pink warmth that makes it immediately wearable. We pair it with amazonite in our Fierce Compassion Bracelet Set ($142) for a blue-green and coral-pink combination that’s one of our most striking colour stories, and it also appears alongside turquoise in the Authentic Lynx Set ($75).
Pink Pezzottaite
Pezzottaite (pronounced "pet-zot-tie-tuh") is a rare mineral that is often referred to as "raspberry beryl" or "red beryl" due to its bright pink to red colouration. It is a member of the beryl family of minerals, which also includes emerald and aquamarine.
Pezzottaite was first discovered in Madagascar in 2002 and has since been found in other parts of the world, including Afghanistan, Brazil, and the United States. It is a relatively soft mineral, with a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, and is often used as a gemstone or ornamental stone due to its unique and attractive appearance.
Pink Smithsonite
Pink Smithsonite is a gemstone that has a pink to purple colour. It has a vitreous to pearly lustre and is often used for carving and cabochons.
Pink Smithsonite is usually found in Mexico and is not often found in jewellery.
Eudialyte
Eudialyte is a gemstone that has a pink to red colour. It has a vitreous to pearly lustre and is often used for carving and cabochons.
Eudialyte is usually found in Russia and is not often found in jewellery.
Pink Gemstone Properties
Mohs Scale
The Mohs Scale measures a mineral's hardness, with pink gemstones varying in hardness; for example, pink sapphire has a hardness of 9, making it very durable, while rhodochrosite has a hardness of 3.5-4, indicating it is much softer and less durable. For example, Rhodochrosite has a hardness of 3.5-4, while Pink Sapphire has a hardness of 9. This means Pink Sapphire is much more durable and less likely to scratch than Rhodochrosite.
Chemical Composition
Pink gemstones comprise various chemical elements, including manganese, iron, carbon, chromium, magnesium, cesium, titanium, copper, and sodium. The specific chemical composition of a gemstone can affect its properties, such as its colour, clarity, and durability.
For example:
-
Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral, typically pink, but can also be red or brown. It is relatively soft and has a hardness of 3.5-4.
-
Rhodonite is a manganese inosilicate mineral that can be pink, red, or brown. It is harder than Rhodochrosite, with a hardness of 5.5-6.5.
-
Pink Sapphire is a variety of corundum that gets its pink colour from traces of chromium and iron. It is one of the hardest gemstones, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs Scale.
-
Pink Tourmaline gets its colour from manganese and iron. It is a relatively hard gemstone, with a hardness of 7-7.5.
In summary, the specific chemical composition and hardness of a pink gemstone can greatly affect its properties and suitability for different types of jewellery. It is important to consider these factors when selecting a pink gemstone for a particular piece of jewellery.
Gemstone Origins and Locations
Pink gemstones can be found worldwide, with each location having unique qualities and characteristics. Some of the most popular sites for pink gemstones include:
-
Madagascar (Morganite or Pink Beryl, Rose Quartz, and Rhodochrosite)
-
Pakistan (Pink Sapphire, Kunzite)
-
Argyle Mine in Western Australia (Pink Diamonds)
Overall, you can find beautiful pink gemstones in many different locations around the world. Each area has unique qualities, making each striking pink gemstone special.
Pink Gemstones in Jewellery
Pink gemstones are a popular choice for pink gemstone jewelry, especially in engagement rings and other romantic pieces. Popular options span both precious gems and semi-precious stones, including:
-
Pink Diamond
-
Pink Sapphire
-
Morganite
-
Pink Tourmaline
-
Pink Spinel
-
Rose Quartz
The colour pink also suits many skin tones because it ranges from warm peachy shades to cooler violet-leaning hues. They are often paired with white gold, rose gold, platinum, and yellow gold to create stunning and unique pieces. This range helps jewelry lovers choose the perfect pink stone for different skin tones and settings.
Pink Gemstones and Symbolism
Gemstones have been used throughout history for their beauty and symbolism. Each stone has a unique meaning and properties, making it a popular choice for jewellery and spiritual practices.
One of the most common themes associated with pink gemstones is love. Pink sapphire, pink tourmaline, and rose quartz are all believed to promote love and compassion, making them popular choices for engagement rings and other romantic jewellery. Rose quartz, in particular, is often referred to as the "stone of unconditional love," promoting self-love and healing.
In addition to love, pink gemstones are associated with femininity and trust. Morganite, a pale pink gemstone, is said to promote trust and harmony in relationships. Pink Kunzite is believed to help with self-healing and emotional balance, while pink calcite is associated with empathy and emotional intelligence.
For those interested in crystal healing, pink gemstones can help balance the heart chakra. The heart chakra is located in the centre of the chest and is associated with love, compassion, and emotional balance. Pink gemstones such as rose quartz, Rhodonite, and pink tourmaline are all believed to help balance and heal the heart chakra.
Many pink gemstones are also birthstones, making them popular for personalized jewellery. Pink tourmaline is the birthstone for October, while pink sapphire is the birthstone for September. Morganite is popular for those born in January, and rose quartz is often associated with those born in April.
Pink gemstones have a wide range of meanings and properties, making them a versatile and popular choice for jewellery and spiritual practices. Whether you are looking for love, emotional healing, or simply a beautiful piece of jewellery, a pink gemstone can meet your needs.
Buying Pink Gemstones
When buying pink gemstones, it’s important to consider factors such as the type of gemstone, its quality, and any treatments it may have undergone. Here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for pink gemstones:
-
Gemstone Type
-
There are many different types of pink gemstones to choose from, including pink diamonds, pink sapphires, morganite, pink tourmaline, and pink garnet, which can show rich berry-pink, purplish-pink, or peach-pink hues with brilliant sparkle, and some stones may also display subtle purple undertones.
-
Each gemstone has unique characteristics and a price range, so it’s important to do your research and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
-
Quality
-
Gemstone quality is determined by factors such as colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
-
For pink gemstones, colour is the most important factor, and the best stones show an attractive pink colour. Desirable material may range from soft blush and medium pink to deeper saturation, depending on the gem type.
-
Clarity is also important, as any inclusions or blemishes can detract from the gemstone’s beauty.
-
Treatments
-
Many pink gemstones undergo treatments to enhance their colour or clarity.
-
Heat treatment is a common practice for pink sapphires, while plastic deformation is used to improve the clarity of some pink diamonds.
-
It’s important to ask your jeweller if a gemstone has undergone any treatments and to factor that into your purchasing decision.
-
Carbon Atoms
-
Natural pink diamonds are rarer and typically more valuable than lab-created alternatives, so buyers seeking investment stones should prioritize certified natural gems, while lab-grown options are more budget-friendly.
-
This also means that pink diamonds are quite rare and expensive, with prices increasing exponentially for larger, higher-quality stones. The pink star is a famous example of an exceptional pink diamond that sold at auction for a record price.
When buying pink gemstones, it’s important to do your research, consider the gemstone’s type and quality, and ask your jeweller about any treatments it may have undergone. With these factors in mind, you can find the perfect pink gem to add to your collection, and keep softer pieces in a jewelry box to help prevent scratches and damage.
