Strawberry Quartz
Strawberry Quartz can be confused with its sister gemstone, Rose Quartz, but they are two very different gems. With Strawberry Quartz it is the colorful inclusions trapped within that create its iconic reddish pink color and distinctive character.
Strawberry Quartz Colors
Strawberry Quartz is actually a clear stone but with inclusions of hematite or lepidocrocite flakes that cause the famous pink color. The flakes are often quite a dark red themselves but as flecks dotted throughout the body of the stone they create a pink or sometimes orange effect.
A cheery pink color is the most favored but some prefer the darker tones or even examples with an orange tinge.
Read more about gemstones colors here
Strawberry Quartz Species
Strawberry Quartz is a variety of the fairly common quartz mineral which also includes such famous names as Citrine, Amethyst and Rose Quartz.
The best quality Strawberry Quartz will be a clear or transparent quartz which allows the interesting and colorful inclusions within the stone to be seen in all their glory.
The flecks that give this gemstone its color are usually made up of tiny flakes of hematite or lepidocrocite which are both forms of iron oxide which explains the reddish hue.
Strawberry Quartz Price
Strawberry Quartz is quite possibly the most expensive of all the quartzes although it is still a very reasonably priced gemstone.
Deep pink colors with a very clear 'window’ to see the inclusions will be the most sought after version and so fetch the highest prices.
Carat Weight
Strawberry Quartz can be found in quite large carat weights with stones of 20 carats or more not uncommon. It is the brightness of the color and the clarity of the stone that creates the price of this gemstone so the price per carat stays just about the same no matter the size.
Strawberry Quartz gemstones can be found in both faceted and cabochon form – both usually in a shape to show off the inclusions through a big 'window’ or facet on the top of the stone.
Depending on the color and clarity, Strawberry Quartz gemstones will usually be around $7 - $10 per carat for faceted stones and $4 or $5 per carat for cabochons (domed tops with flat bottoms) and only rise to the maximum $20 per carat for the finest quality.
For more details please refer to our full Strawberry Quartz Info page here
Treatments
Many gemstones are treated to enhance the color or the clarity but Strawberry Quartz is a clear stone with the inclusions as the main selling point. Heat treatment may improve the clarity but would destroy the interesting inclusions.
Generally, Strawberry Quartz is not treated in anyway other than the cutting and polishing all gemstones receive.
Where are Strawberry Quartz found?
Strawberry Quartz has been found in Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Madagascar and the United States along with the recent discoveries of high quality stones in Russia and Kazakhstan.
What jewelry is Strawberry Quartz suitable for?
Strawberry Quartz is rated at 7 on Mohs hardness scale like all quartz gemstones which makes it durable enough for all items of jewelry including daily wear pieces.
Strawberry Quartz is easily available in large carat sizes at great prices and interesting cabochon cuts so it is perfect for hobbyists who are looking to create their own jewelry at home.
