Well-Formed Rutile Star in Quartz
Intersecting needles of rutile form a “star” inclusion in this colorless quartz. Photomicrograph by Isabelle Corvin; field of view 2.2 mm.
Rutile, one of the five forms of titanium dioxide, can be found in many gemstones as inclusions. In this colorless cabochon, acicular crystals of rutile formed around a hematite core as a protogenetic mineral to the quartz host. A large quantity of rutile needles intersects and radiates outward to form a six-rayed “star” inclusion (see above). While rutilated quartz is not uncommon, this attractive inclusion provided a striking contrast to the colorless quartz backdrop.
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