What is Rutile?
Rutile is a titanium oxide mineral that is most commonly found in granites, pegmatites and metamorphic rocks. It is also found in sands derived from the weathering of these rocks. Rutile also forms as slender crystals within quartz and micas. It is a common mineral in the alluvial sands that are dredged for magnetite and ilmenite.
Physical Properties of Rutile |
| Color |
red, reddish brown, reddish black |
| Streak |
pale brown |
| Luster |
adamantine to submetallic |
| Diaphaneity |
transparent to subtranslucent |
| Cleavage |
good |
| Mohs Hardness |
6 - 6.5 |
| Specific Gravity |
4.2 - 4.4 |
| Distinguishing Characteristics |
luster, color |
| Chemical Composition |
titanium oxide, TiO2 |
| Crystal System |
tetragonal |
Uses of Rutile?
Rutile is used as a coating on welding rods. It is also used as an ore of titanium, a metal used where light weight and high strength are needed. Some rutile used in the production of pigments for paints.
| Sand made of rutile ilmenite zircon from Georgia. Specimens are sand size particles. |
| Cabochons of rutilated quartz - an example of how long thin crystals of rutile can form in quartz. Each gem is approximately 12 millimeters by 10 millimeters. |
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| Rutile from Oaxaca, Mexico. Specimen is approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) across. |
| Ilmenorutile, a variety of rutile from Iveland, Norway. Specimen is approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) across. |
| Nigrine, a variety of rutile from Magnet Cove, Arkansas. Specimens are approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch (1.3 centimeters to 2.5 centimeters) across. |
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