Rutilated Quartz
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/40635353@N00">Dave</a> from Leicester, UK (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Mineral NameRutilated Quartz
Chemical FormulaSiO₂ (with TiO₂ inclusions)
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Streak ColorWhite
CleavageNone
FractureConchoidal
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorscolorless, smoky, golden, silvery, reddish-brown
TransparencyTransparent
Type LocalityBrazil, Madagascar, Australia, USA
Mineral GroupSilicates (Quartz), Oxides (Rutile)
Usesjewelry, ornamental, collector
Associated Mineralsfeldspar, mica, tourmaline
Rarityuncommon
Description
A transparent quartz crystal containing numerous fine, needle-like inclusions of rutile, which appear silvery, golden, or reddish-brown, creating intricate patterns within the host.
Geological Context
Rutilated quartz forms in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites where titanium-rich fluids are present, allowing rutile needles to crystallize within the growing quartz crystal.
