Rutilated Quartz
Image: Didier Descouens (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameRutilated Quartz
Chemical FormulaSiO₂ (with TiO₂ inclusions)
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustervitreous
Streak ColorWhite
CleavageNone
FractureConchoidal
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorscolorless, white, smoky, golden, reddish-brown, black
TransparencyTransparent to Translucent
Type LocalityIbitiara, Bahia, Brazil
Mineral GroupSilicates (host), Oxides (inclusions)
Usesjewelry, collector, ornamental
Associated Mineralsquartz, rutile
Raritycommon
Description
A transparent to translucent quartz crystal containing fine, needle-like inclusions of golden to reddish-brown rutile, often forming intricate patterns within the host mineral.
Geological Context
Forms in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites where titanium-rich fluids are present during quartz crystallization, leading to the epitaxial growth of rutile needles within the growing quartz.
