Fire Quartz
Quartz var. Hematoid Quartz · Semi-Precious Gemstone
Crystal System
Trigonal, massive or tumbled habit
Mineral Group
Silicates - Tectosilicates
Chemical Formula
SiO2 with Fe2O3 inclusions
Formation Process
Hydrothermal and pegmatitic formation where iron oxide inclusions become trapped within growing quartz crystals
About This Crystal
A tumbled, smooth specimen displaying translucent to opaque transparency with a vitreous to waxy luster. The stone features warm golden-orange to brownish-red coloration with characteristic hematite or iron-oxide inclusions creating a mottled, fiery internal pattern.
Physical Characteristics
Body color ranges from clear with red/orange patches to solid hematoid hues; white streak; no cleavage; conchoidal fracture; specific gravity of approximately 2.65; brittle tenacity; displays piezoelectric properties.
Optical Properties
Singly refractive with uniaxial positive optical character, refractive index of 1.544 to 1.553, low birefringence of 0.009, and no significant pleochroism.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Madagascar, Brazil, South Africa, and the United States
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 7, making it durable for daily jewelry wear with good toughness and high resistance to scratching, though care should be taken with thermal shock.
Care & Maintenance
Safe to clean with warm soapy water; avoid harsh chemical cleaners, prolonged direct sunlight which may affect secondary treatments, and ultrasonic cleaners if internal fractures are present.
Rarity & Value
Common to uncommon; value depends heavily on the intensity of the red or orange color, clarity, and aesthetic pattern of inclusions, generally very affordable as tumbled stones.
Special Characteristics
Contains distinctive hematite or goethite inclusions that give it a fiery appearance, sometimes exhibiting minor chatoyancy or localized reflections from internal platelet inclusions.
Lore & History
Often associated with vitality, grounding, and transmutation of negative energies in modern crystal healing practices, commonly linked to the root and sacral chakras.