Gemstone profile and identification guide
Fire Quartz
Fire quartz is a trade term commonly used for hematoid quartz showing red-orange internal inclusion color.
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Overview
Fire quartz is a trade term commonly used for hematoid quartz showing red-orange internal inclusion color.
Did you know? Fire quartz in trade often overlaps with names such as hematoid quartz or harlequin quartz.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Fire Quartz
Scientific classification: Silicate (Quartz Variety, commonly Hematoid Quartz)
Hardness: 7 Mohs
Transparency: transparent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Trigonal
Primary colour: Red
Secondary colour: Clear with Red Inclusions
Colour family: Reds
Quartz optical constants plus visible red hematitic inclusions are primary diagnostics.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Trade-name entries include treatment/composition disclosures where applicable.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 7 Mohs
Chemical composition: Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with hematite/iron-oxide inclusions
Crystal system: Trigonal
Common locations: Brazil, Madagascar, Mexico, United States
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Quartz with red-orange internal coloration from hematite or iron-oxide inclusions.
Optical effects: Inclusion Glow Effect
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Quartz with iron-oxide inclusions
Mineral group: Quartz group
Chemical formula: Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with hematite/iron-oxide inclusions
Mohs hardness: 7
Crystal system: Trigonal
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: transparent
Streak: White
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal
Specific gravity: 2.65
Refractive index: 1.544-1.553
Optical phenomena: Inclusion-driven internal glow/scatter
Colour range: Clear to red-orange with inclusion clouds or plates
Common inclusions: Hematite plates, goethite, fluid inclusions
Geological environment: Hydrothermal quartz systems
Principal mining regions: Brazil, Madagascar, Mexico, United States
Important commercial sources: Commercial fire/hematoid quartz is supplied from major quartz-producing localities including Brazil and Madagascar
Historical significance: A modern collector and lapidary quartz trade variety.
Common treatments: Heat and color enhancement can occur in some marketed products.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Colored glass and treated quartz imitations exist.
Common look-alikes: Strawberry quartz, dyed quartz, red glass
Jewellery uses: Fire Quartz is used chiefly for Faceting and cabochons that showcase internal red inclusion colour.. In the trade it is commonly fashioned as faceted stones, calibrated cuts, and higher-clarity collector pieces, with Mohs hardness 7 guiding suitable jewellery applications.
Care recommendations: Quartz is durable; avoid impacts that could propagate existing fractures.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Fire Quartz.
Formation
Forms as quartz with iron-oxide inclusions incorporated during crystal growth or later fluid infiltration.
Origin
Commercial fire/hematoid quartz is supplied from major quartz-producing localities including Brazil and Madagascar
Uses
Best for: Fire Quartz is used chiefly for Faceting and cabochons that showcase internal red inclusion colour.. In the trade it is commonly fashioned as faceted stones, calibrated cuts, and higher-clarity collector pieces, with Mohs hardness 7 guiding suitable jewellery applications.
Ideal uses: Faceting and cabochons that showcase internal red inclusion color.
Care
Quartz is durable; avoid impacts that could propagate existing fractures.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Fire Quartz FAQ
How can I identify Fire Quartz?
Compare hardness (7 Mohs), crystal system (Trigonal), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Fire Quartz appear in?
Quartz with red-orange internal coloration from hematite or iron-oxide inclusions.
Where is Fire Quartz commonly used?
Faceting and cabochons that showcase internal red inclusion color.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 05 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 05 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 05 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 05 factual verification pass.