Rutilated Quartz, Tourmalinated Quartz: What Are The Differences?

There are two types of clear or semi-clear quartz gemstones with little "needles" inside, and they are both very popular because they are both so beautiful!   One is called "Rutilated Quartz" and the other is known as "Tourmalinated Quartz".  They're both quartz stones, but with very different inclusions!

Yet it seems a large number of sellers (and therefore buyers) don't know the difference between the two.  But it's very simple:

RUTILATED QUARTZ

This is clear quartz that has GOLDEN Rutile crystal "needles" captured within the stone.  Rutile is a mineral, also known as Titanium Dioxide, and appears to be golden or reddish tiny "hairs" or needles.  It is because of the encapsulated Rutile needle crystals that this is called Rutilated Quartz.





 TOURMALINATED QUARTZ

This is clear quartz that has black Tourmaline crystal "needles" captured within the stone.  These needles are actually the gemstone Tourmaline that has formed within the Quartz.  It is because of the encapsulated black Tourmaline that this is called Tourmalinated Quartz.






And so whenever you see quartz with black "needles" inside, it is Tourmalinated Quartz.
Whenever you find clear quartz with golden "needles" inside, it is Rutilated Quartz.

There is no black Rutilated Quartz.

Now you know!!