Smoky Rutilated Quartz Point
Measures Approximately: 1 1/4" x 1" x 3/4"
Weighs Approximately: .6 oz
What a sweet little point. It would be a great pocket piece or a crystal to put next to your computer.
Smoky quartz is a brown to black variety of quartz. According to current theories exposure to natural underground radiation causes trace amounts of trivalent aluminum (Al3+) to replace some of its silicon. This change in its crystal structure creates its color. The name has changed slightly over time. Many historical sources called it “smoked quartz” instead, after its resemblance to smoke cured foods. Since natural irradiated color develops slowly below certain temperatures, smoky quartz tends to be found in specific environments like higher elevations where it had time to slowly darken.
Rutile is a titanium oxide mineral (TiO2) that forms in golden or red colored needle shaped threads when it occurs within quartz. When it forms in other minerals, such as ruby or sapphire, it can create asterism that is the desirable "star" effect that plays across the surface of the gemstone when seen in direct light. The titanium oxide created by purifying and making a powder with rutile is used as a non-toxic white pigment for paints, cosmetics, food, and toothpaste.