Gemstones We Love: Rutilated Quartz Beads

As bead enthusiasts, we chase the latest trends, as well as revere the classic gemstones. One question we hear a lot from our customers is how to choose a quality gemstone, and we happily walk them through the steps. Usually, when we talk about how to access the quality of a gemstone, we advise to look for jewels without inclusions.

Rutilated quartz, on the other hand, is one of the few gemstones desirable because of its inclusions. This gives it a special allure and desirability as a unique gemstone type. Rutilated quartz exists mainly in colorless, transparent quartz, although a brown, smoky variety of rutilated quartz also exists but is less common. Other color varieties of quartz are rarely if ever encountered in rutilated form.

Rutilated quartz beads are a variety of quartz with a rock crystal (colorless) body showing internal characteristics of needle-like structures with a metallic appearance. Their color can be reddish-brown, blood-red, or black, depending on the element. The inclusions are created when another element forms within the crystal structure of the quartz. Elements that form in quartz are goethite, gold, pyrite, rutile, and tourmaline.

Quartz is the most common mineral on Earth. It is found in nearly every geological environment and is a component of almost every rock type.  It makes up about 12% of the Earth's crust, occurring in a wide variety of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It is also the most diverse in terms of variety and color.  Quartz is a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Rutilated quartz is found in Australia, Brazil, Spain, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Norway, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States.

Rutile is a major ore of titanium, which is a metal used for high tech alloys. It often forms needle-like crystal inclusions inside quartz.  This form of quartz is known as rutilated quartz, and it looks like small bars of embedded gold.  Rutile is a 6 on the Mohs scale. Because of the difference in hardness between the two materials, and because of the way rutile forms inside, this can be a difficult stone on which to attain a smooth surface without pits.

Rutilated quartz has been referred to as Cupid's darts, Venus hair stone, and Fleches d'amour.

The name quartz comes from the Saxon word querklufterz, which meant cross vein ore. The name rutile comes from the Latin word rutilus, meaning red. Cat's Eye Quartz is quartz with dense, tiny rutile inclusions that cause a cat's eye effect.

Rutilated quartz has many associations in folklore and mythology about the stone’s healing properties. For centuries, people have collected quartz and worn rutilated quartz beads to connect to the power assigned to this gemstone.

The Greeks called quartz Ice of Eternity, and many ancient cultures considered quartz crystals to be some kind of petrified ice. Some even believed that holding a piece in the mouth could quench one’s thirst. The Romans used clear quartz as a healing stone. Shaped into a bead, it was used to reduce glandular swellings and fevers.

Quartz has always been a favorite stone for communication with the spirit world. Native American medicine men used quartz as divining and hunting charms. The stones were thought to be inhabited by spirits which were periodically fed by rubbing the quartz with deer’s blood. Mexican natives believed the spirits of quartz were the souls of the dead.

Rutilated quartz is thought to bring protection, determination, self-control, strength of will, self- reliance, and firmness of character. It is believed to bring forth a person's strengths and originality. The gemstone also relieves exhaustion and aids with sleep. Other properties help the wearer relate well to others.

Crystal gazing has long been a means of divination in a variety of cultures. It is also thought to increase psychic ability. Ancient clerics would “draw down the fires of heaven” with assistance of quartz. Crystal enthusiasts believe that rutilated quartz can connect you to a higher power, one that heals and protects the person who possesses it.

The stone may also help receive spiritual knowledge and guidance, and gain concentration and mental clarity. Whether worn on the body or placed in the home, the stone helps manifest abundance and prosperity.

Rutile is said to intensify the metaphysical properties of its host crystal and to enhance one's understanding of difficult situations. It is also said to enhance creativity and to relieve depression and loneliness. Rutilated quartz is said to slow down the aging process and is said to be a strong healer.

Once you experience the magnetic quality of rutilated quartz, you’ll be compelled to add them to your jewel box. Stunning in a necklace, bracelet, or earring, this gemstone is versatile and a visual treat for all who wear it. Shop our fantastic selection of gemstones and get acquainted with rutilated quartz.