Rutilated Quartz
Image: Didier Descouens (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameRutilated Quartz
Chemical FormulaSiO₂ (with TiO₂ inclusions)
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak ColorWhite
CleavageNone
FractureConchoidal
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorscolorless, yellow, brown, smoky brown, golden, reddish-brown
TransparencyTransparent to translucent
Type LocalityBrazil, Madagascar, Pakistan, Switzerland
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, collector, ornamental
Associated Mineralsrutile
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen features a well-formed, transparent to smoky brown quartz crystal densely filled with fine, golden, needle-like rutile inclusions, giving it a striking appearance.
Geological Context
Rutilated quartz forms when titanium-rich fluids are present during the growth of quartz crystals, allowing rutile needles to crystallize within the growing quartz lattice, typically in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites.
