Rutilated quartz is a variety of macrocrystalline quartz that contains needle-like inclusions of rutile, often appearing as golden, reddish, or silver threads. These inclusions form inside the quartz during its growth phase and can be arranged in parallel, radial, or chaotic patterns, making each specimen unique.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

gemstonecommonQuartz family

Rutilated Quartz

Hardness: 7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this rutilated quartz?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch rutilated quartz with a known reference. Rutilated Quartz sits at Mohs 7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rutilated Quartz leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Rutilated Quartz typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: clear, white, smoky, yellowish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals with acicular inclusions.

Often confused with

Rutilated Quartz vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside rutilated quartz

Minerals reported to co-occur with rutilated quartz. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: SiO₂
Mohs hardness: 7
Density: 2.65 g/cm³
Colors: Clear White Smoky Yellowish
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals with Acicular Inclusions
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Gemstone, Lapidary, Collector
Host rock: Pegmatites, Hydrothermal Quartz Veins
Typical price: $10-100 per specimen

Where rockhounds find rutilated quartz

Classic worldwide localities

Brazil
Madagascar
USA
Australia
Pakistan

Field-hunting tip

Look in pegmatites, hydrothermal quartz veins country — that is the host setting where rutilated quartz typically forms. If you start seeing rutile, hematite, feldspar in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals with acicular inclusions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify rutilated quartz?+

Mohs hardness is 7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include clear, white, smoky, yellowish.

Where is rutilated quartz found?+

Notable localities include Brazil; Madagascar; USA; Australia; Pakistan.

How much is rutilated quartz worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-100 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like rutilated quartz?+

Rutilated Quartz is most often confused with Tourmalinated Quartz. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with rutilated quartz?+

Rutilated Quartz commonly co-occurs with Rutile, Hematite, Feldspar, Muscovite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does rutilated quartz form in?+

Rutilated Quartz typically forms in pegmatites, hydrothermal quartz veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is rutilated quartz used for?+

Rutilated Quartz is used in gemstone, lapidary, collector.

Find rutilated quartz on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.