Rutile

Rutile is a popular mineral composed of titanium dioxide. ^[1]

Rutile: Quick Facts and Characteristics

Some quick facts for Rutile:

• Transparency: Rutile can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
• Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, rutile is tetragonal.
• Luster: In terms of luster, rutile can be adamantine, metallic or submetallic.
• Streak: Rutile streaks brown, light brown or white.
• Hardness: Rutile's hardness ranges from 6 to 6.5 on the Moh's scale.
• Specific Gravity: Rutile's specific gravity ranges from 4.2 to 4.23.

Rutile: Background and Summary

Rutile is a mineral that belongs to the titanium oxide family. It is composed of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and commonly contains small amounts of iron, niobium, tantalum, and other elements. Rutile is typically found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, as well as in sedimentary deposits.

One of the most distinctive features of rutile is its needle-like crystals, which are typically reddish-brown to black in color. These crystals can be easily identified under a microscope or by their unique optical properties, which cause them to reflect light in a distinctive way. Rutile is also quite dense, with a specific gravity of around 4.2, and has a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale.

Rutile has a wide range of applications, including as a pigment in paints, plastics, and ceramics, as well as in the production of titanium metal. It is also used as a source of titanium dioxide for the production of white pigments, which are used in a variety of consumer products such as toothpaste, sunscreen, and food coloring. Additionally, rutile is sometimes used as a gemstone, although it is relatively rare and not as well-known as other minerals such as quartz or diamond.