Why is rutilated quartz so expensive?
While many gemstones are most valuable when they contain few or no inclusions, rutilated quartz is actually prized because of its unique inclusions.
Is rutile quartz rare?
This rare quality polished crystal of natural rutilated quartz has very rare transparency with slender rutile crystals inside the colorless quartz crystal. There are a few inclusions and faint veils.
What is the difference between Rutilated and Tourmalinated quartz?
The needle-like inclusions inside Tourmalinated Quartz are distinct tourmaline crystals in a minute form. Rutilated Quartz has needle-like crystal inclusions that look like small bars of imbedded gold or copper.
What causes rutilated quartz?
Sometimes, quartz contains thin, needle-like crystals of rutile. Then, these rutile needles are incorporated into hydrothermally-deposited quartz. Some rutile inclusions in quartz may also form as a result of metamorphism, but most rutilated quartz forms through hydrothermal processes*.
How much is golden rutilated quartz worth?
According to Modern Jeweler, the demand for rutilated quartz by jewelry designers is so strong that nice cabochons are selling for as much as $20 or more per carat in the USA.
What does rutilated quartz look like?
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 look silver, copper red or deep black.
Is rutilated quartz a hard stone?
For storage, remember that Rutile Quartz is quite a tough gemstone (rated at over 7 on the Mohs hardness scale) so do not keep in with other gemstones that may be softer as it may scratch them. Similarly a few gemstones such as ruby, sapphire, beryl and so on are a bit harder and may damage your Rutile Quartz.
Is rutilated quartz real gold?
Is rutilated quartz expensive?