This unique type of quartz contains random threads or hair of rutile. Commonly gold, but can be silver, and even some other colors are found but typically rare. In the rough it's hard to see the orientation of the threads, but I am always pleased with the final cabochon. The quartz is typically crystal clear, providing a natural magnifier for the rutile inclusions.

I got a box of rutilated quartz as part of the playhouse rocks. It was in a sealed box about the size of a medium flat rate USPS mailer. I suspect George acquired these and unfortunately never got a chance to work any of the material. Rutilated quartz comes from many countries around the world so I'm not sure where mine originated. I would guess Brazil based on the fact that there were brazilian agates in the lot, and Brazil is a popular source of rutilated quartz.