The unique soft pink color of rose quartz gems is thought to derive from tiny traces of titanium impurities. Rose quartz gemstones tend to be cloudy which deepens the color; transparent crystals are extremely rare. The translucent milky quality of rose quartz make it ideal for cutting en cabochon or carving in inventive ways. Rose quartz displaying asterim or the star effect is rare; asterism occurs when the quartz contains rutile needles.