mineral

Rutilated Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with inclusions of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Clear to smokey with golden or black needle-like inclusions, Luster: Vitreous, Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)

Identified May 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Clear to smokey with golden or black needle-like inclusions, Luster: Vitreous, Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites where titanium-rich minerals crystallized within the quartz during its growth. Can be millions of years old.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry, as collector specimens, and in metaphysical practices. Also used as an ornamental stone.

Geological facts

Often called 'Venus Hair Stone' when inclusions are golden; the rutiles are actually trapped rutile crystals that formed before or during the host quartz's growth.

Field identification & locations

Identify by the presence of hair-like mineral inclusions (rutiles) inside clear or translucent quartz. Common in Brazil and Madagascar.

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Mineral/Rock

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Metamorphic Rock

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