Rutilated Quartz
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (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
Colorsdark brown, smoky, golden-brown
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityNovo Horizonte, Bahia, Northeast Region, Brazil
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, collector, metaphysical
Associated Mineralsrutile
Rarityuncommon
Description
This is a transparent to translucent, dark smoky quartz crystal exhibiting well-formed faces and containing abundant, fine, needle-like inclusions of golden-brown rutile throughout its body.
Geological Context
Rutilated quartz typically forms in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites where quartz crystallizes around pre-existing rutile needles, often in environments with high temperatures and pressures.
