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Minerals »
Rutile
Rutile - Mineral Properties and Uses |
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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. |
Uses |
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. |
Color |
red, reddish brown, reddish black |
Streak |
pale brown |
Luster |
adamantine to submetallic |
Diaphaneity |
transparent to subtranslucent |
Cleavage |
good |
Hardness |
6 - 6.5 |
Specific Gravity |
4.2 - 4.4 |
Distinguishing
Characteristics |
luster, color |
Crystal System |
tetragonal |
Chemical Classification |
oxide |
Chemical Composition |
titanium oxide, TiO2, |
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Rutile from Oaxaca, Mexico.
Specimen is approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) across.
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Ilmenorutile, a variety of rutile from Iveland, Norway.
Specimen is approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) across.
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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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Sand made of rutile ilmenite zircon from Georgia.
Specimens are sand size particles.
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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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More Information About Minerals!
Mineral photographs that appear on this page with a Geology.com copyright mark are property of Geology.com and may not be used beyond our website. If you like these photos and would like to share them with others please link to this page or email its URL. The photos were taken and composed by Ann Bryant.
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