Rutilated Quartz
Image: Dave from Leicester, UK (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Mineral NameRutilated Quartz
Chemical FormulaSiO₂
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak ColorWhite
CleavageNone
FractureConchoidal
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorscolorless, transparent, golden, silvery
TransparencyTransparent
Type LocalityBrazil, Madagascar, Australia, USA (Arkansas, North Carolina)
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, ornamental, collector's item
Associated MineralsRutile
Rarityuncommon
Description
This image shows a close-up of transparent quartz containing numerous fine, needle-like inclusions of rutile, which appear silvery or golden within the clear host.
Geological Context
Rutilated quartz typically forms in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites where quartz crystallizes around pre-existing or co-crystallizing rutile needles, often under conditions of high temperature and pressure.
