mineral
Rutilated Quartz Sphere
Silicon Dioxide with Titanium Oxide inclusions (SiO2 with TiO2)
Hardness: 7 (quartz host) to 6-6.5 (rutile needles). Luster: Vitreous to sub-metallic. Color: Transparent quartz host with reddish-brown to golden metallic hair-like rutile inclusions. Crystal System: Trigonal (quartz), Tetragonal (rutile). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
- Hardness
- 7 (quartz host) to 6-6
- Luster
- Vitreous to sub-metallic
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (quartz host) to 6-6.5 (rutile needles). Luster: Vitreous to sub-metallic. Color: Transparent quartz host with reddish-brown to golden metallic hair-like rutile inclusions. Crystal System: Trigonal (quartz), Tetragonal (rutile). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
Formation & geological history
Formed in high-temperature hydrothermally rich quartz veins and pegmatites. Rutile crystals grow first, and transparent quartz subsequently crystallizes around them, trapping the rutile needles inside.
Uses & applications
Popular as ornamental polished spheres, lapidary art objects, gemstone carvings, and collector specimens.
Geological facts
The inclusions are needle-like rutile (titanium dioxide) crystals, commonly known as 'Venus hair' or 'Angel hair' quartz. While the user notes mention Auberry amethyst, this specimen visually exhibits clear-to-smoky quartz filled with distinct metallic reddish rutile needles rather than purple amethyst.
Field identification & locations
Identified by the distinct metallic thread-like acicular rutile crystals encased within transparent quartz. Major commercial sources include Brazil (Minas Gerais) and Madagascar, though rutile inclusions can occur in quartz globally.
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