Rutilated Quartz
cleargoldyellow · Quartz family
| Also known as | Quartz (Quartz family) |
|---|---|
| Colour | Clear, Gold, Yellow |
| Mohs hardness | 7 – lower in impure varieties (defining mineral) |
| Lustre | Vitreous – waxy to dull when massive |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | α-quartz: trigonal β-quartz: hexagonal |
| Transparency | Transparent to nearly opaque |
| Cleavage | none |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | SiO 2 |
| Specific gravity | 2.65; variable 2.59–2.63 in impure varieties |
What is Rutilated Quartz?
Rutilated quartz is a variety of quartz which contains acicular (needle-like) inclusions of rutile. It is used for gemstones. These inclusions mostly look golden, but they also can appear silver, copper red or black.
How to identify Rutilated Quartz
- Lustre: Vitreous – waxy to dull when massive.
- Hardness: Mohs 7 – lower in impure varieties (defining mineral) — hard enough to scratch glass.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: α-quartz: trigonal β-quartz: hexagonal crystal system.
Rutilated Quartz in different forms
Stones often confused with Rutilated Quartz
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Rutilated Quartz?
Rutilated Quartz is Mohs 7 – lower in impure varieties (defining mineral) on the hardness scale.
What colour is Rutilated Quartz?
Rutilated Quartz is typically clear, gold, yellow.