If you are looking for more information on rutilated quartz then, you’ve come to the right place.
A Guide To Rutilated Quartz
Rutilated Quartz
Quartz is one of the most abundantly found minerals on earth. It is a surprising fact that quartz actually accounts for as much as 10% of the total crust of the planet. It can be found in just about any kind of geographical setting and hence, is found all over the world. Pakistan, Australia, Kazakhstan, Madagascar and Brazil are abundant sources of Quartz.
Rutilated quartz is a variety of quartz in which thin long needle-like forms of rutile are created within the quartz. These rutile enclosures resemble beautiful, colorful fibers encased within the mineral. It is sometimes credited to have healing and spiritually elevating effects on the human psyche. It is also said to help people become close to one another and overcome feelings of depression and sadness.
What Are The Features Of Rutilated Quartz?
Tumbled Rutilated Quartz
To begin with, the rutile inclusions are generally red in color. The word ‘rutile’ actually comes from the Latin word ‘rutilus’ which means the color red. In most minerals, rutile formations are almost always red in color. However, in quartz, the rutile enclosures are sometimes also present in brown and grayish hues.
One of the most distinctive features of rutilated quartz is that no two stones are ever exactly alike. Each stone is unique, and hence special. The differences can occur in terms of differently colored rutile enclosures, the number of rutile enclosures, their thickness, their degree of transparency and so on.
It is different from regular quartz in terms of hardness. It rates between 6.00 and 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale while regular quartz rates as 7 on the scale.
Ring
The mineral rutile itself has an extensive degree of refractive quality and is said to disperse more light than any other mineral. As a result, when rutile enclosures occur within minerals other than quartz they are practically always in the form of thin, red fibers.
Because of the difference in hardness between rutile and quartz polishing these quartz is a bit of a challenge. This is why these stones are difficult to include in jewelry pieces. Sometimes, because of the challenge in polishing, the stones may be left with small bumps and irregularities on the surface.
Special Significance Of Rutilated Quartz
Pendant
The significance of rutilated quartz arises from the fact that it is different from other minerals and gemstones in terms of measuring value. As a universal rule, a gemstone is considered flawless or precious on the basis of the number of flaws or inclusions present in the stone. The fewer the number of irregularities, the more precious the stone is said to be, and hence, is more expensive as well. However, when it comes to rutilated quartz, the system of measuring worth is the very opposite.
Since the attractiveness of the stone comes from the presence of the rutile inclusions, its worth is judged in terms of high inclusions. The more the number of rutile formations within the quartz, the greater is its value and attractiveness.
Tourmalinated Quartz
Bracelet
Rutilated quartz is often confused with tourmalinated quartz. Actually, rutile is not the only mineral that creates small pieces within quartz, tourmaline does as well. Tourmalinated quartz can be identified by the presence of dark green and blackish needle-like inclusions within the quartz. This stone is very similar in appearance to rutilated quartz, and the best way to tell the two apart is on the basis of the color of the inclusions.
