Got a photo? Identify rocks instantly with the Rockby app
Open the appDescription
Strawberry Quartz is a variety of macrocrystalline quartz characterized by its pink to red coloration, caused by inclusions of iron oxides, most commonly hematite or goethite. The inclusions can range from fine, dust-like particles that impart a uniform color, to distinct, visible flakes or needles that create a speckled or streaky appearance. The base quartz itself is typically colorless or milky, with the inclusions providing the distinctive 'strawberry' effect. The intensity and distribution of the inclusions determine the overall aesthetic quality of the stone.
How to Identify
- Color
- Pink to red, often with visible specks or streaks of red, orange, or brown inclusions within a clear or milky quartz matrix.
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy) on fractured surfaces and crystal faces.
- Texture
- Smooth to slightly granular depending on the size and distribution of inclusions. Can feel cool to the touch.
- Crystal Form
- Typically occurs as prismatic hexagonal crystals, often terminated, or as massive aggregates. Inclusions are internal.
- Cleavage
- None, as with all quartz varieties.
- Geological Environment
- Hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and other igneous or metamorphic settings where silica-rich fluids interact with iron-bearing minerals.
Key Facts
- Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale (due to quartz)
- Specific Gravity: 2.65 g/cm³ (typical for quartz, inclusions have minimal effect)
- Crystal System: Trigonal
- Color: Pink to red, often with visible red, orange, or brown inclusions
- Luster: Vitreous
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
- Fracture: Conchoidal
- Cleavage: None
- Composition: Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with inclusions of Hematite (Fe2O3) or Goethite (FeO(OH))
Quick Check
- Color: Pink to red with internal specks/streaks
- Luster: Vitreous
- Streak: White (of the quartz matrix, inclusions are too fine to produce a distinct streak)
Physical Characteristics
- Crystal Habit: Prismatic hexagonal crystals, often terminated; also massive or granular aggregates.
- Cleavage Type: None (due to strong Si-O bonds in all directions)
- Fracture Type: Conchoidal (smooth, curved breaks resembling the inside of a shell)
- Tenacity: Brittle
- Luster Type: Vitreous (glassy)
Formation
Strawberry Quartz forms within hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and other igneous or metamorphic environments where silica-rich fluids are present. The characteristic red to pink color is due to microscopic inclusions of iron oxides, primarily hematite (Fe2O3) or goethite (FeO(OH)), which are incorporated into the quartz crystal lattice during its growth. These inclusions can be finely dispersed, giving a uniform color, or can form distinct platy, acicular, or granular patterns within the quartz.
Usage
Primarily used as a gemstone for jewelry (cabochons, beads, faceted stones), ornamental carvings, and as a collector's mineral specimen. Its unique color and patterns make it highly sought after in the lapidary and metaphysical communities.
Age Distribution
Varies widely depending on the geological formation of the host quartz, ranging from Precambrian to Cenozoic.
Where to Find
Kazakhstan
Known for producing high-quality Strawberry Quartz with distinct red hematite inclusions.
Russia (Karelia)
Historically a source of quartz with various inclusions, including iron oxides.
Brazil
A major global source of quartz, including varieties with iron oxide inclusions, though often marketed as 'Hematoid Quartz'.
Mexico
Some localities produce quartz with red inclusions, sometimes referred to as Strawberry Quartz.
Madagascar
Known for various quartz varieties, including those with iron oxide inclusions.
Finding Tips
Look for Hydrothermal Veins
Strawberry Quartz is typically found in quartz veins associated with igneous or metamorphic rocks. Look for areas with evidence of past hydrothermal activity.
Examine Rock Outcrops
Inspect exposed rock faces and stream beds for quartz crystals or masses that exhibit reddish or pinkish hues and internal specks.
Check Mine Dumps and Tailings
Old mine sites, particularly those that extracted quartz or other minerals from hydrothermal deposits, can be good places to find specimens.
Distinguish from Stained Quartz
Be aware that some quartz can be superficially stained by iron oxides. True Strawberry Quartz has inclusions *within* the crystal, not just on the surface.
Use a Magnifying Glass
A loupe or magnifying glass will help to clearly see the characteristic iron oxide inclusions within the quartz matrix, confirming its identity.
Similar Rocks
Rose Quartz
Quartz (SiO2) with microscopic dumortierite or phosphate inclusions
Also known as: Pink Quartz
Fire Quartz
Quartz (SiO2) with dense hematite inclusions
Also known as: Hematoid Quartz
Aventurine (Red)
Quartz (SiO2) with Fuchsite (green) or Hematite/Goethite (red/orange) inclusions
Also known as: Red Aventurine
Jasper (Red)
Cryptocrystalline Quartz (SiO2) with iron oxide inclusions
Also known as: Red Jasper
Scientific Classification
- Mineral Class
- Silicate
- Group
- Tectosilicate (Quartz Group)
- Crystal System
- Trigonal
- Chemical Formula
- SiO2 (with Fe2O3 or FeO(OH) inclusions)
- Composition
- Silicon dioxide with iron oxide inclusions
Explore Strawberry Quartz
Identify rocks anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full database, and your personal collection.