Cherry Quartz
A variety of Glass
What is Cherry Quartz?
Cherry Quartz is a commercial name for a man-made material that comes in appealing shades of pink. The material is actually made from melted quartz and cinnabar. This synthetic mineral is commonly found in the form of beads, crystals, and tumbled stones, and it's a popular choice for jewelry.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.48-1.70
- Optical Character
- Isotropic
Discover Values
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Cherry Quartz before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Cherry Quartz Localities Map
See where Cherry Quartz is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Composition of Cherry Quartz
Cinnabar, natural reconstituted quartz
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Others
- ⚠️Quartz, silica, crystalline silica and flint are non-toxic materials, but very fine dust containing quartz, known as respirable crystalline silicon (RCS), can cause serious and fatal lung disease. Lapidaries should exercise caution when cutting silica.
- ⚠️Cherry Quartz is generally safe to handle unless it's in powder form, as it contains cinnabar inclusions, a toxic mineral with mercury. When cutting or polishing cherry Quartz, wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling heavy metal particles.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Pink, red
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5 - 6
- Density
- 2.4 - 4.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- Red
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Crystal System
- Trigonal
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- SiO2
- Elements
- Si, O
Also Known As
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Cherry Quartz FAQs
How do I identify Cherry Quartz?
Cherry Quartz can be identified by its hardness of 5 - 6 on the Mohs scale, Pink color, Vitreous luster, Trigonal crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Cherry Quartz?
Cherry Quartz typically appears in Pink, red. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Cherry Quartz?
Cherry Quartz has a hardness of 5 - 6 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the composition of cherry quartz of Cherry Quartz?
Cinnabar, natural reconstituted quartz