Hilbert-Schmidt measure of pairwise quantum discord for three-qubit $X$ states

Abstract: The Hilbert-Schmidt distance between a mixed three-qubit state and its closest state is used to quantify the amount of pairwise quantum correlations in a tripartite system. Analytical expressions of geometric quantum discord are derived. A particular attention is devoted to two special classes of three-qubit $X$ states. They include three-qubit states of ${\rm W}$, ${\rm GHZ}$ and Bell type. We also discuss the monogamy property of geometric quantum discord in some mixed three-qubit systems.