Black Rutilated Quartz Cabochon

Rutile is composed of titanium dioxide, which is a main component of refractory ceramics, titanium metal, & other items.  It is also used in sunscreen due to its ability to absorb ultraviolet (UV) light. When associated with other minerals, Rutile can exhibit different colors, create chatoyancy within a stone & create other different effects within a stone.

Though Rutile forms at lower temperatures & pressures than Quartz, it can be found inside Quartz. When that occurs, it is Rutilated Quartz.

Quartz forms at extremely high temperatures & pressures usually associated with volcanic activity. When magma degases, it creates bubbles or vugs & pegmatites which form large crystals at the end-stage of cooling. One theory proposes that Quartz permeates a vug & then the Rutile precipitates & grows within the stone as it cools.  Another suggests that when the Quartz pegmatite is cooling, it develops microscopic cracks allowing Rutile to grow.  Either way, the strands of Rutile develop within Quartz producing a beautiful combination of long thin needles within a clear stone, which is why Rutilated Quartz goes by the names Bahia Gold, Venus Hairstone, and Cupid’s Darts.

Rutilated Quartz is said to represent self-confidence, reduce stress & bring inner peace. Rutilated Quartz is known as an illuminator for the soul, promoting spiritual growth. It is said to offer protection against the ill thoughts of others & may help discover the root of problems & facilitate transitions. Rutilated Quartz may relieve fears, phobias & anxiety, encouraging the ability to forgive.