Description
Red quartz, also known as hematoid quartz, is a variety of quartz with a layer of hematite. It can crystallize in massive forms, lumps, clusters, druzies, and as inclusions within existing quartz. The color of crystallized hematite ranges from predominantly red to shades of maroon, burgundy, and brown. Much red quartz on the market is actually regular quartz that has been heated or dyed. There are two main indicators for recognizing authentic red quartz. First, if possible, one should pay attention to the origin of the crystal. Authentic red quartz is rare and found in only a few countries, with Morocco being the primary source for the mineral market. Other smaller deposits have been discovered in Brazil, a country known for producing a large number of counterfeits. Second, by holding the crystal and assessing its weight and density, one can distinguish genuine red quartz; hematite is an exceptionally heavy mineral that, when combined with quartz, stands out clearly.
