3.3" Rutile Star in Smoky Quartz - Brazil

Rutilated quartz is a form of quartz characterized by needle-like inclusions of rutile within the quartz crystal. These inclusions mostly look golden, but they also can look silver, copper red, or deep black.

Rutile is a titanium dioxide mineral, and sometimes contains large quantities of iron oxide.

About Smoky Quartz

Smoky quartz is a variety of quartz distinguished by its smoky gray to deep brown or nearly black coloration, a name inspired by the hazy, smoke-like appearance within the crystal. While some specimens can appear very dark or even opaque, most smoky quartz remains at least partially translucent, allowing light to pass through its internal veils and zoning. The color develops when trace amounts of aluminum within the quartz lattice are exposed to natural irradiation over geologic time, subtly altering the crystal structure and producing its characteristic smoky tones.