mineral
Rutilated Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with inclusions of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Clear to smokey with golden or black needle-like inclusions, Luster: Vitreous, Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)
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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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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary