Handmade from recycled gold

Rutile

Rutile is a mineral that is often present in gemstones as inclusions. It exists in various colors, but deep red, reddish-brown, and black are predominant. Inclusions in gemstones are often considered disturbing, with the exception of embedded rutile. This dark mineral is responsible for beautiful optical effects in gemstones.

Rutile inclusions are responsible for star-shaped light phenomena in sapphires

Star-shaped light effects through rutile

If the rutile inclusions are positioned within the gemstone so that they intersect at a point and are arranged at an angle of 60 degrees to each other, a six-pointed star ( asterism ) is formed in rubies and sapphires. This is due to the fact that rutile is characterized by its very high refractive power, and the light entering the gemstone is reflected by the inclusions.

Silky shine due to rutile deposits

If a sapphire or ruby contains light inclusions of rutile, a wavy shimmer of light moves across the surface of the gemstone. This light pattern is reminiscent of the soft shimmer of natural silk, hence the name "silky luster."

The cat's eye effect

Numerous, parallel rutile needles create chatoyancy in sapphires and rubies. This is characterized by a narrow band of light visible parallel to the inclusions. Because this resembles the slit-like eye of a cat, this phenomenon is also called the cat's eye effect .