Titanium dioxide forming reddish-brown to black prismatic crystals. Major ore of titanium and source of titanium dioxide pigment. Color: Reddish-brown, red, black, golden. Luster: Adamantine to metallic. Streak: Pale brown to yellowish. Cleavage: Good in two directions. Hardness: 6-6.5. Transparency: Transparent to opaque. Crystal system: Tetragonal. Chemical formula: TiO₂. Specific gravity: 4.18-4.25. Formation: Forms as an accessory mineral in igneous and metamorphic rocks; concentrates in heavy mineral sands. Common geological settings: Australia, South Africa, Sierra Leone, India; found in eclogites, gneisses, and beach sands. Common look-alikes and related entries: Cassiterite, Zircon, Titanite.
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These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
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Last updated
2026-03-30T14:36:56.447498+00:00
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Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Titanium dioxide forming reddish-brown to black prismatic crystals. Major ore of titanium and source of titanium dioxide pigment.
How can you identify Rutile?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Reddish-brown, red, black, golden; lustre: Adamantine to metallic; streak: Pale brown to yellowish; Mohs hardness: 6-6.5; cleavage: Good in two directions; crystal system: Tetragonal; transparency: Transparent to opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Rutile form?
Forms as an accessory mineral in igneous and metamorphic rocks; concentrates in heavy mineral sands.
Where is Rutile commonly found?
Australia, South Africa, Sierra Leone, India; found in eclogites, gneisses, and beach sands.
What is Rutile commonly confused with?
Rutile may be confused with Cassiterite, Zircon, Titanite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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