Rough stone — Four shapes · Rose quartz

A milky pink, translucent rather than transparent, crossed by paler veils that catch raking light.

The stone as the earth formed it, simply freed from its matrix and cleaned. Sharp edges, irregular faces, a matte or glassy luster depending on the vein.

What tradition attributes to it. Tradition makes it the stone of the heart and of gentleness above all — the one you give, the one you keep close. It is credited with opening you to others and reconciling you with yourself.

The piece. Four shapes · Rose quartz.

In practice. Set it on a tray, in a bowl, next to a candle. Rough pieces sit well beside polished ones, by contrast. Rinse under clear water and dry; some soft materials cannot take water, check first.

• Its shade comes from minute needle-shaped mineral inclusions; that is what gives it its veiled rather than clear look.
• A natural piece: shade, veining and dimensions vary from one example to the next

A decorative object for personal practice. It is no substitute for medical advice or treatment.