Rutilated Quartz
A variety of Quartz
What is Rutilated Quartz?
Rutilated Quartz is a species of quartz, generally gold but occasionally silvery, coppery, or even black. Every individual stone has a unique pattern. While inclusions usually lower the value of a gemstone, rutilated Quartz is an exception in this regard; the imperfections add to its desirability and consequent value.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.544-1.553
- Birefringence
- 0.009
- Pleochroism
- Weakly dichroic
- Optical Character
- Biaxial positive
- Dispersion
- 0.013
Discover Values
This stone excels in beauty.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Rutilated Quartz before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Rutilated Quartz Localities Map
See where Rutilated Quartz is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Composition of Rutilated Quartz
Rutilated quartz is a variety of quartz which contains acicular (needle-like) inclusions of rutile.
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Rutilated Quartz in powdered form can be toxic due to its Crystalline Silica content.
- ⚠️Quartz, silica, crystalline silica and flint are non-toxic materials, but very fine dust containing quartz, known as respirable crystalline silicon (RCS), can cause serious and fatal lung disease. Lapidaries should exercise caution when cutting silica.
- ⚠️Rutilated Quartz is typically non-toxic unless it's in powder form. Long-term exposure to finely ground powder may lead to silicosis. Therefore, when cutting or polishing rutilated Quartz, be sure to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling its dust.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Golden, red, brown, black, white, colorless, green
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 7
- Density
- 2.64 - 2.69 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Crystal System
- Trigonal
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- SiO2
- Elements
- O, Si
Also Known As
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Rutilated Quartz FAQs
How do I identify Rutilated Quartz?
Rutilated Quartz can be identified by its hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, Golden color, Vitreous luster, Trigonal crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Rutilated Quartz?
Rutilated Quartz typically appears in Golden, red, brown, black, white, colorless, green. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Rutilated Quartz?
Rutilated Quartz has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a relatively hard mineral suitable for jewelry.
What is the composition of rutilated quartz of Rutilated Quartz?
Rutilated quartz is a variety of quartz which contains acicular (needle-like) inclusions of rutile.
