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
Colorsbrown, golden-brown, colorless, smoky
TransparencyTranslucent
Type LocalityIbitiara, Bahia, Northeast Region, Brazil
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, collector's item, metaphysical
Associated Mineralsrutile
Rarityuncommon
Description
A large, translucent, brownish quartz crystal exhibiting numerous fine, needle-like inclusions of dark rutile, giving it a distinctive fibrous appearance.
Geological Context
Rutilated quartz typically forms in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites where titanium-rich fluids are present during the growth of quartz crystals, allowing rutile needles to become encapsulated.
