Strawberry Quartz Gemstone Information

Introduction

Strawberry Quartz is a genuine gemstone. Let's start by addressing a couple of common mix-ups about this charming quartz variety right away.

Occasionally, reddish glass beads get labeled as 'Strawberry Quartz,' which has caused some folks to think all of it is just glass. That's not the case.

People also sometimes confuse it with Rose Quartz, but they're distinct members of the quartz family, each with their own appeal.

What makes Strawberry Quartz stand out? It's one of those gems where the inclusions - tiny bits of material trapped inside - create its distinctive look. Flakes of hematite, goethite, or lepidocrocite in clear quartz give it that unique red tint and fascinating appearance.

Strawberry Quartz Colors

You might guess from the name that this gem is red, and you'd be partly correct. The internal flecks of hematite or lepidocrocite often show a classic red from their iron content. But since these are small spots in a clear stone, the overall shade leans more toward pink or orange rather than a bold red.

Strawberry Quartz Species

The quartz family boasts stars like Amethyst, Citrine, Agate, Jasper, and Rose Quartz. As you can see, quartz comes in all sorts of colors and patterns.

Quartz makes up much of the sand in deserts, granite in mountains, volcanic lava, even the cement in our buildings and dust in the air.

For gemstones, quartz divides into two main types:

• Macro-crystalline: Large, visible crystals, often clear with sharp edges and pointed tips.
• Micro-crystalline: Tiny, packed crystals, usually opaque and rounded.

Strawberry Quartz falls into the macro-crystalline category. It's typically transparent with flecks of iron oxide - mostly hematite, but sometimes lepidocrocite or goethite - that create its reddish tone.

A close relative is Rutilated Quartz, which has a clear base but inclusions of titanium dioxide in shades like yellow, red, or brown, resembling hair or straw.

Gem experts call Strawberry Quartz a 'sagenitic quartz,' meaning it has needle-like inclusions such as rutile, actinolite, tourmaline, or in this case, hematite, lepidocrocite, or goethite.

Similar varieties include:

• Rutilated Quartz: Prized for red or gold needles inside.
• Tourmalinated Quartz: Clear quartz with dark tourmaline crystals.
• Sagenite Agate: A mix of chalcedony and other minerals.

Strawberry Quartz goes by several other names:

• Lepicrosite in Quartz
• Harlequin Quartz
• Hematoid Quartz
• Ferruginous Quartz
• Scarlet Quartz
• Red Quartz
• Cherry Quartz
• Fire Quartz

Some names sound more appealing for sales, while others fit better in scientific contexts.

Strawberry Quartz Clarity and Cut

Gemstones generally fit into three clarity categories, each with levels of transparency.

• Opaque: No light passes through, even against a bright source.
• Translucent: Some light gets through, but you can't see clearly on the other side.
• Transparent: Light flows freely, allowing you to see objects or read text through it.

Top-quality Strawberry Quartz is transparent enough to showcase the inclusions. If it's too opaque, those inner flecks lose their effect.

These gems are often cut as cabochons - with flat bases and domed tops - or faceted in simple oval or round shapes.

Such cuts highlight the inclusions and let the soft colors shine. They pair well with the warm pinks and reds, letting us admire the hematite or lepidocrocite patterns.

You can find large, clean Strawberry Quartz pieces at reasonable wholesale prices, perfect for custom jewelry. And with those unique flecks, each one is truly original.

Spiritual Meaning of Strawberry Quartz

Disclaimer: The information provided about the spiritual and healing properties of Strawberry Quartz is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Strawberry Quartz is often regarded for its strong healing qualities. Many believe it calms the mind, easing stress and anxiety. This pinkish-red crystal is thought to foster emotional balance, promoting love, compassion, and self-acceptance.

It's said to activate the heart chakra, bringing inner peace and well-being. Some also think it supports the immune system and the body's natural recovery.

In short, Strawberry Quartz is seen as a supportive stone for physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness.

The inclusions are typically hematite, which adds traits like confidence, focus, and decisiveness, plus grounding effects.

Hematite is believed to offer courage and protection in tough times, sparking positivity when things feel bleak. It also brings balance, harmony, and awareness.

Strawberry Quartz and the Chakras

Disclaimer: The information provided about the spiritual and healing properties of Strawberry Quartz is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Chakras are energy points in the body, each tied to physical, emotional, or mental states, and each with a color.

There are seven: Crown (purple), Third Eye (indigo), Throat (blue), Heart (green), Solar Plexus (yellow), Sacral (orange), and Root (red).

Clear quartz, the base of Strawberry Quartz, is a potent spiritual tool - known as the 'Master Healer' - affecting all chakras and amplifying other stones.

Here, hematite links strongly to the Root Chakra. If you're feeling unsteady about home, work, or relationships, this might indicate a block, and hematite could help, boosted by the surrounding quartz.

As a red-to-pink stone, Strawberry Quartz connects to the Heart Chakra too. It's thought to aid heart-related health and emotions like love, commitment, acceptance, and healing from heartache.

Health Benefits of Strawberry Quartz

Disclaimer: The information provided about the spiritual and healing properties of Strawberry Quartz is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Strawberry Quartz is believed to strengthen the chest and heart muscles, boost the immune system, and cleanse the blood. Some say it eases lower back and abdominal pain.

It's also thought to support women's health issues, plus enhance fertility and libido for everyone.

Hematite's presence may aid blood circulation and related conditions like high blood pressure, anemia, kidney problems, and PMS.

Strawberry Quartz Price

Strawberry Quartz is fairly rare and among the pricier quartzes. That said, it's still affordable, with large pieces under $10 per carat at wholesale.

Strawberry Quartz Discovery and History

The origins of Strawberry Quartz are a bit unclear. People likely encountered it throughout history, but records are sparse.

In the late 1800s, 'Scarlet Quartz' described a hematite-included quartz from Cumbria, England, matching today's Strawberry Quartz.

In the 1970s, material surfaced from a supposed Mexican deposit - source kept secret - but it sold out fast and hasn't reappeared.

Its popularity spurred fake glass versions labeled 'Strawberry Quartz,' still around but not from trustworthy sellers.

Lately, quality Strawberry Quartz has come from Russia and Kazakhstan in good quantities.

The term 'quartz' stems from German 'Quarz' and Polish 'Kwardy,' meaning hard. Quartz has served as tools, decor, and spiritual items for millennia.

Where is Strawberry Quartz Found?

Besides Russia and Kazakhstan, sources include Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Madagascar, and the United States.

How is Strawberry Quartz Formed?

Quartz often forms in pegmatites or igneous rocks from cooling magma. As rocks cool, cracks fill with fluids that crystallize over time.

For Strawberry Quartz, silicon- and oxygen-rich water seeps into cracks with iron oxide or hematite. With time and pressure, quartz crystals form.

The inner hematite turns red, pink, or orange. Quartz's durability means weathering exposes it, preserving the inclusions.

Can Strawberry Quartz Be Treated?

Some quartzes get heat-treated to enhance or alter color - like turning amethyst into citrine.

Smoky quartz might be irradiated for deeper color.

But Strawberry Quartz's key feature is its hematite flecks; without them, it's plain quartz.

Treatments could improve one part but harm the other. Usually, it's just cut and polished, untreated.

If any gems we sell are treated, we disclose it.

What Jewelry is Strawberry Quartz Suitable For?

Quartz rates 7 on Mohs scale, so it's tough for any jewelry.

Large sizes make it great for pendants, brooches, and bold rings.

Unique inclusions mean each piece is one-of-a-kind, ideal for custom or special designs.

We offer matched pairs or lots for earrings or accents, selected by experts.

How to Care for Strawberry Quartz

Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth to keep it shining.

Store separately, as its hardness (over 7) could scratch softer gems.

Harder stones like ruby or sapphire might scratch it, so use boxes or cloth bags.

How to Tell a Real Strawberry Quartz

Strawberry Quartz is rare, pricier among quartzes. Super-cheap deals? Be wary.

Fakes, especially beads, are common but detectable.

Bright, unnatural colors signal trouble.

Hold it: Real feels heavy; glass is light. Quartz stays cool longer; glass warms fast.

Mass quantities suggest factory-made fakes. Real ones come in limited amounts.

Natural inclusions are irregular; bubbles mean glass.

Check online images to know the look.

At 7 on Mohs, it scratches glass but not with a nail or key.

This isn't exhaustive, but it helps. Buy from reputable sources.

We guarantee our gems and offer returns. Plus, reports from labs like AIG, ICA, or Burapha.

What is So Special About Strawberry Quartz?

Real Strawberry Quartz has a cheerful, fruity vibe with natural inclusions making each unique.

It's not just pretty - it's seen as powerful, combining 'Master Healer' quartz and iron-rich hematite.

Beauty, uniqueness, and reputed strength in one gem.

Strawberry Quartz - Gemological Properties

Frequently Asked Questions