Rutile
| Colour | Red, Brown, Black, Gold |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 6.0–6.5 |
| Lustre | Adamantine to metallic |
| Streak | Bright red to dark red |
| Crystal system | Tetragonal |
| Transparency | Opaque, transparent in thin fragments |
| Cleavage | {110} good, {100} moderate, parting on {092} and {011} |
| Fracture | Uneven to sub-conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | TiO 2 |
| Specific gravity | 4.23 increasing with Nb–Ta content |
What is Rutile?
Rutile is an oxide mineral composed of titanium dioxide (TiO2), the most common natural form of TiO2. Rarer polymorphs of TiO2 are known, including anatase, akaogiite, and brookite.
How to identify Rutile
- Lustre: Adamantine to metallic.
- Hardness: Mohs 6.0–6.5 — about as hard as a steel knife.
- Streak: Bright red to dark red.
- Habit: Tetragonal crystal system.
Rutile in different forms
Stones often confused with Rutile
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Rutile?
Rutile is Mohs 6.0–6.5 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Rutile?
Rutile is typically red, brown, black, gold (Brown, reddish brown, blood red, red, brownish yellow, pale yellow, yellow, pale blue, violet, rarely grass-green, grayi).