Rutilated Quartz

Rutilated quartz is clear to smoky quartz with golden needles of rutile (a titanium oxide) running through it, rating 7 on the Mohs scale. It comes mostly from Madagascar and Brazil and is sold as rutilated quartz, tumbled stones and beads. Here is what it is, its history and its lore.

1. The Physical Properties of Rutilated Quartz

The golden colour comes from needles of rutile, a titanium oxide, trapped inside the quartz. Rutilated quartz is a 7 on the Mohs scale and has a hexagonal crystal system. In crystal lore the rutile is said to amplify the quartz, and it is a favourite to pair with other stones in a display. A single Rutilated Quartz piece often does the work of several stones.

2. The History of Rutilated Quartz

Most Rutilated quartz comes from Madagascar or Brazil, but it is also found in Kazakhstan, Norway, Pakistan, Australia ans the US.The Saxon word querklufterz gave it's name to this stone meaning cross vein ore. The Latin word for red gives the name to Rutile, likewise.

It was believed for some time that quartz crystals were formed over long periods of time in dark icey clefts. This was due to what Pliny wrote aproximately 2000 years ago. Over time as geology evolved throughout Europe, this 18^th century belief was debunked.

3. The Lore of Rutilated Quartz

Some refer to it as Venus' Hair Stone, the reason behind its delicate golden color which shimmers and catches the light. It is also known as - the hair of the angels. Freia is a goddess in Viking lore, and they believed this stone is associated with her. It is thought then, that those who work with this crystal are bestowed its magical abilities. One legend says that whenever the goddesses hair was cut, nothing was to be laid to waste and so their hair was preserved in stone.

4. The Metaphysical Properties of Rutilated Quartz

It associates with all of the chakras which is why it provides alignment, harmony, and peace. Rutile helps to inspire others and to get them to see your point of view. Another attribute of Rutile is that it helps to deflect negativity coming at us from another. It is a protective stone to those who use it and acts as a shield against harm. Like most quartz, it is a popular all-round stone in crystal work.

As we would expect from other types of quartz, this stone helps to absorb negative energy, and so it must be cleaned regularly. In crystal lore it is also a stone of renewed drive, and a bright piece for a desk or altar.

Conclusion

Rutilated quartz is a golden-veined quartz that suits points, clusters and bracelets. In crystal lore it stands for balance, clarity and a constructive outlook.