Hematoid Quartz Beads
Hematoid quartz beads are clear or milky quartz filled with iron oxide inclusions that stain the stone red, orange and gold, which is why it is also sold as fire quartz or harlequin quartz. The main varieties are red lepidocrocite hematoid quartz and golden hematoid quartz. This collection holds natural hematoid quartz in a range of finishes and shapes for bracelets, necklaces and earrings.
Appearance
Red lepidocrocite hematoid quartz is translucent quartz with blood red to orange flakes and clouds suspended inside, ranging from a few bright specks to beads that read solid red. Golden hematoid quartz carries yellow to amber iron staining in bands and veils, often with clear windows between them. Beads vary widely in how much iron they hold, so strands are never uniform.
A polished finish shows the inclusions floating in depth; faceting adds sparkle from the clear areas and flashes of red from the flakes. A matte finish is less common because it hides the interior. At 7 on the Mohs scale it is as hard as any quartz, and the iron is sealed inside the stone, so the beads wear well in daily bracelets and need no special care.
Formation and origin
Hematoid quartz grew where iron-rich fluids moved through quartz veins, so flakes and films of hematite and the related iron oxyhydroxides lepidocrocite and goethite were trapped inside the crystals as they formed, or seeped into fractures afterward. Hematite and lepidocrocite give the red; goethite and limonite give the yellow and gold. The trade uses the name lepidocrocite for the red flaky inclusions, though laboratory work shows many of them are hematite. Most comes from Brazil and Madagascar. It is the same material as strawberry quartz when the inclusions are fine and evenly spread.
Pairings
Peach moonstone beads: a soft apricot glow that bridges the red and gold tones of hematoid quartz.
Sunstone beads: copper-colored sparkle from the same family of iron and metal inclusions, in a matching warm range.
Citrine beads: clear yellow quartz that picks up the golden veils, with identical hardness for even wear.
Meaning and Metaphysical Beliefs
Hematoid quartz meaning in crystal traditions combines the lore of clear quartz, seen as an amplifier, with that of hematite, seen as a grounding stone, so it is described as a stone of balance between energy and stability. The golden variety is associated with warmth and vitality and the red with drive and the root chakra. These are traditional beliefs, not claims of physical effect.
