Cherry quartz, a variety of dyed quartz, exhibits the typical physical characteristics of quartz, including a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, a vitreous luster, and a conchoidal fracture. Its distinctive reddish-pink hue results from a dyeing process, often involving iron oxide or other mineral pigments. This vibrant color makes it a popular choice for ornamental purposes.
The appeal of this quartz variety lies primarily in its aesthetic qualities. Its rich color can evoke feelings of warmth, energy, and vitality, making it a sought-after material for jewelry, decorative objects, and energy healing practices. While natural quartz has been valued for its purported metaphysical properties for centuries, the enhancement of color in cherry quartz adds a modern dimension to these traditional associations.