Rutilated Quartz

Gemstone: Rutilated Quartz Birthstone Month: Rutilated Quartz is not associated with any particular birthstone month. Zodiac: Rutilated Quartz is not associated with any particular zodiac sign. Chemical Symbol: Quartz: SiO2 Rutile: TiO2 Chemical Make-up: Rutilated Quartz is a Silicon Dioxide and a macrocrystalline Quartz variety. Rutile is a Titanium Oxide. History & Lore: There is not 100% agreement regarding the exact origins of the name Quartz, but the two most widely accepted opinions are that the word Quartz is derived from the Greek 'krystallos', meaning “ice”, or the German 'quarz'. Rutile is derived from the Latin word 'rutilus', meaning “red”. Some of the earliest primitive tools fashioned by man some 2.5 million years ago, and discovered in the Omo valley in Ethiopia were made of Quartz. It is believed that Quartz was used because of its hardness and isotropic brittleness that made the fashioning of the tools relatively easy. Chipped flint projectile points used for fire-making have been found on Mousterian sites in western Europe that date back around 40,000 years. In addition to its use in tool-making, certain varieties of Quartz were used for divination. Spherical Quartz rock crystals were often shaped into crystal balls and used for disease diagnosis and awareness of events occurring in distant places.

More recently there was major production of synthetic Quartz during World War II. This synthetic Quartz was used to supply crystals for radios. Today, Quartz is not only used for gemstone purposes, but also as a raw chemical ingredient in the manufacturing of abrasives, cements, concrete, porcelain, glass, and many other industrial materials. Because of its piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties, Quartz is commonly used in the production of watches, clocks, computers, and radios. Rutile is believed to enhance the metaphysical properties of its host crystal. Rutilated Quartz is believed to help one gain a better understanding during difficult situations so they can act appropriately and efficiently. It is also believed to relieve feelings of depression and loneliness, and can provide direction and creativity to the wearer. Physically Rutilated Quartz is thought to slow the aging process and help strengthen the immune system. In addition to this, it is believed to be a strong healing stone and can help recover the wearer from radiation exposure. Availability: Rutilated Quartz is readily available at affordable prices. Sources: Though Rutilated Quartz can be found in most of the major gem producing nations, today the vast majority is mined in Brazil. Other noteworthy deposits are found in Australia, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Noway, Pakistan, and the United States. Evaluation: Quartz is rated at 6.5 to 7 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness whereas rutile is rated at 6 to 6.5. This difference in hardness can make it difficult for the stones to attain a smooth surface without pits. With that being said, Rutilated Quartz is for the most part suitable for all jewelry applications. Rutilated Quartz is a variety of Quartz crystals that contain impurities of Titanium Oxide. These impurities are called rutile. Most transparent varieties of Quartz are valued most with no inclusions, Rutilated Quartz however is desired for it's golden or red needles of rutile. These stones are formed because at high temperatures and pressure, the Quartz and rutile are in a liquid state. As these temperatures cool and the pressure drops, the two separate with the rutile needles being trapped inside the Quartz. A highly desired variety of Rutilated Quartz is Star Rutile. These stones are created when Hematite is present during the formation of Rutilated Quartz. The Titanium Oxide will radiate from the center of the Hematite in a star like pattern known as an asterism. There are several closely related Quartz varieties that go through a similar formation process, with the Titanium Oxide being replaced with different impurities. These include Tourmalinated Quartz, Grass/Actinolite Quartz, and Dendritic Quartz. Common Cuts: Though Rutilated Quartz can be cut into most of the common gemstone cuts/shapes, it is most often cut into cabochons as this cut best displays the rutile needles. It is also occasionally used in carvings. Routine Enhancements: There are no known enhancements for Rutilated Quartz. Care & Cleaning: Rutilated Quartz is generally best cleaned using warm soapy water and a soft brush. As with most gemstones, Rutilated Quartz should be kept away from household chemicals and from prolonged exposure to extremes of heat as this can cause damage or permanent changes in coloration. Rutilated Quartz jewelry should be kept in a fabric-lined box away from other jewelry items in order to avoid scratching.