Daily Crystal Guide: Episode 3 - Strawberry Quartz

Daily Crystal Guide: Episode 3 - Strawberry Quartz

Series: Crystal of the Day • Focus: Strawberry Quartz

Strawberry Quartz: A Natural Quartz Glittering with Iron-Oxide Inclusions

Pretty, modern—and often misunderstood. Here’s how to recognise the real thing, where it comes from, and how to wear it well.

What is strawberry quartz?

Strawberry quartz is natural, colourless quartz (SiO₂) that looks pink-to-red because of microscopic, iron-oxide–related inclusions dispersed throughout the crystal. In gemological literature, the colour and even star-like patterns can be produced by fine goethite needles, sometimes altered in part to lepidocrocite, within the host quartz. In the trade this inclusion-rich material has long been nicknamed “strawberry quartz.” 

Important: the name has also been misused for man-made glass or other synthetics sold as “strawberry” or “cherry quartz.” Mineralogists note that many red platelets marketed as “lepidocrocite” are actually hematite, and that the term “strawberry quartz” has at times been applied to non-natural materials. Buy from sellers who disclose composition and origin. 

How is it formed?

Quartz grows from silica-rich fluids in veins, cavities, and geodes. When iron is present, it can crystallise as oxide/hydroxide inclusions inside the quartz. Needle-like goethite and lamellar/platelet forms (often described as lepidocrocite in older trade usage) create the pink-red “strawberry” effect; dense, oriented inclusions can even produce a star-like pattern when cut en cabochon.

Where is it typically sourced?

  • Sonora, Mexico: Early material described by GIA as “strawberry quartz” featured reddish-brown goethite needles in quartz—and is cited as first found here (a trade name taking hold thereafter). 
  • Madagascar: Numerous localities produce quartz with vivid red hematite/goethite inclusions (commonly sold under the strawberry or “lepidocrocite-in-quartz” label), including Andilamena and Ambatomanoina districts. 
  • Elsewhere: Similar hematite- or goethite-included quartz occurs in other regions (e.g., Daye, Hubei, China), underscoring that “strawberry quartz” describes an inclusion style rather than a strict geological species. 

What is it typically used for?

Jewellery & collectibles. Strawberry quartz is cut as cabochons, faceted stones, and beads to showcase its glittering red inclusions; it’s also popular for display specimens. (Quartz is a 7 on the Mohs scale—durable enough for frequent wear.) 

Identification tip: “Cherry quartz” in the mass market is commonly glass, not natural quartz. Look for consistent disclosure and, when in doubt, request lab documentation.

Real vs Fake Strawberry Quartz: Easy Checks That Work

Bottom line: Real strawberry quartz is quartz (SiO₂) with fine iron-oxide inclusions (often goethite/hematite). “Cherry quartz” and many bright-red “strawberry” beads are glass. Use the steps below before you buy; for high-value pieces, ask for a lab report.

Level 1 — No tools (use light + common sense)

  • Under a bright LED or window light, real strawberry quartz shows needle- or platelet-like inclusions that look oriented or sprinkled in fine sheets; some cabochons show a starry glint caused by dense, oriented needles. Random, perfectly round “confetti” or swirly clouds usually means glass.
  • Color zoning: in natural material the pink-red tends to be subtle or patchy where inclusions are denser; uniform neon pink throughout beads is a red flag for dyed glass.
  • “Feels cool” test: stone can feel cooler than glass at room temp, but touch tests are not diagnostic. Don’t rely on this alone.

Level 2 — A 10× loupe (costs little, tells a lot)

  • Rounded gas bubbles? Tiny, perfectly round bubbles (often in clusters or along swirl lines) are classic glass features. Quartz does not form round gas bubbles like this.
  • See needles/plates? Slender goethite/hematite needles or flat platelets inside quartz are consistent with genuine strawberry quartz; dense, oriented inclusions can even create a star when cut en cabochon. 
  • Facet edges & surface clues: Molded glass may show softened facet junctions or faint flow lines; well-cut quartz has crisp facet edges. 

Level 3 — Pocket-tool confidence (polariscope + refractometer)

  • Polariscope: Quartz is doubly refractive (DR, uniaxial). Rotate the stone between crossed filters—real quartz goes light/dark every 90°. Glass is singly refractive (SR) and tends to stay dark (or shows only strain). 
  • Refractometer: Quartz reads ~1.544–1.553 (birefringence ≈ 0.009, uniaxial +). Common glass is ~1.50–1.52. If your reading clusters around 1.51 with no birefringence gap, think glass. 

Bonus — Natural vs. Lab-grown quartz

  • Look at prism striations on crystals: natural quartz typically shows horizontal striations; synthetic quartz often shows diagonal/triangular patterns (helpful, not definitive). Advanced labs confirm origin using FTIR features characteristic of synthetic quartz. 
What not to do: Don’t scratch-test jewelry or rely on “it scratches glass”—many materials do. For expensive pieces, request an identification from a reputable lab (e.g., GIA). 

Quick buyer checklist

  • Ask the seller to disclose material & treatments (natural quartz vs. glass, dyed, etc.).
  • Use LED side-lighting + a 10× loupe: needles/plates good; perfect bubbles/swirl = glass.
  • If still unsure, a polariscope (DR vs SR) and RI reading settle most cases quickly.

What energies does it possess?

In crystal-healing circles, strawberry quartz is associated with warmth, emotional balance, and optimism. From a medical perspective, UK National Health Service resources classify “crystal therapy” among complementary approaches with no credible clinical evidence for treating health conditions. Enjoy gemstone rituals as personal practice—not as medical treatment. 

When should it be worn? (Places & activities)

Great times to wear it

  • Work & day-to-day: Low-profile cabochon rings, pendants, and stud earrings add a subtle pop of color yet keep inclusions protected for desk life and commuting. Quartz’s hardness supports frequent wear. 
  • Cafés, errands, travel: Bezel-set pendants or short-chain necklaces won’t snag on bags; store spare pieces in a soft pouch while on the move.
  • Evenings & photos: The reflective hematite/goethite platelets catch indoor lighting beautifully—choose cabochons with dense, even color for the best “sparkle.” (Aesthetic note; no safety issues.)

Take it off for these

  • Gym/impact sports & chores: Hard blows and abrasion can chip stones or bend prongs. Remove jewellery first. 
  • Pools, hot tubs, saunas: Chlorine/heat can stress settings; thermal shock is a known risk for many colored stones—play it safe. 
  • Cleaning chemicals, lotions, hairspray: Put jewellery on last, take off first. Residues dull sparkle and can affect some settings. 

Care & quick checks

  • Safest clean: Warm water + mild dish soap + soft brush, then rinse and pat dry. Avoid steam; use ultrasonic only if you know the stone isn’t dyed or fracture-filled.
  • Storage: Separate pouches prevent scratching and keep settings tangle-free—especially on the road.

Shop the Look: Strawberry Quartz

Tip: Beware of “cherry quartz” glass sold as natural. We disclose origin and treatments; ask us anytime for details.

Conclusion

Strawberry quartz isn’t a new “mystery crystal”—it’s classic quartz illuminated by tiny iron-oxide inclusions that scatter light into a gentle pink-to-red glow. Its story runs from early finds in Sonora to today’s inclusion-rich material from Madagascar. Shop from informed sellers, enjoy it often, and care for it simply—then let the glitter in the stone do the rest.

Back to blog