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Anatase
Anatase is oxides (TiO2 polymorph), TiO2. In the hand, it rates 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, and it runs blue-black and indigo. Sharply pointed, steep tetragonal dipyramids, like little obelisks, in blue-black or honey tones with near-diamond brilliance, usually sitting on alpine quartz. Alpine clefts: Norway (Hardangervidda), Switzerland, France, and Pakistan; micro crystals worldwide.
The geology.
Anatase carries the formula TiO2. It belongs to the tetragonal system. On paper it is oxides (TiO2 polymorph).
It sits at 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads adamantine to metallic-adamantine. Light behaviour is transparent to nearly opaque. Specific gravity runs 3.79 to 3.97. The streak is white to pale yellow. It breaks with perfect cleavage; subconchoidal fracture.
Sharply pointed, steep tetragonal dipyramids, like little obelisks, in blue-black or honey tones with near-diamond brilliance, usually sitting on alpine quartz.
Expect to see it as steep double pyramids, tiny brilliant crystals on quartz or matrix specimens.
The origins.
Alpine clefts: Norway (Hardangervidda), Switzerland, France, and Pakistan; micro crystals worldwide.
On value, the database notes: collector mineral; sharp blue Norwegian or Pakistani crystals are prized.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with sharpened focus and decisive turning points.
Recorded here because it is part of how this material is sold, not because it is a property of the material.
Spotting the real thing.
Sharply pointed, steep tetragonal dipyramids, like little obelisks, in blue-black or honey tones with near-diamond brilliance, usually sitting on alpine quartz.
Tiny lab-grown anatase exists from research labs but rarely enters the specimen trade; glued composites are the main thing to check.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Brookite | Brookite is flat striated blades; anatase is steep pyramids |
| Cassiterite | Cassiterite is much heavier (SG 7) with stubbier crystals |
| Black tourmaline (small) | Tourmaline shows triangular cross-section prisms, not paired pyramids, and a duller luster |
At-home tests.
None of these need a lab. A 10x loupe, good daylight and a steady hand cover most of what a buyer needs to know about anatase.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| By eye | Steep eight-faced dipyramid silhouette |
| By eye | Adamantine sparkle far brighter than common black minerals |
| By eye | Pale streak despite dark color |
Anything that scratches, burns or dissolves the piece is a lab job. Get it appraised rather than testing it apart.
Care & handling.
At 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale it handles careful wear but scratches against quartz and dust. Store it separately and take rings off before rough work.
It breaks with perfect cleavage; subconchoidal fracture, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Warm water and a soft cloth clean almost everything. Ultrasonic tanks, steamers and household cleaners are where pieces get ruined.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is TiO2. Crystal system: Tetragonal. Specific gravity: 3.79 to 3.97. Streak: White to pale yellow. Cleavage and fracture: Perfect cleavage; subconchoidal fracture.
How it reaches the market
Alpine clefts: Norway (Hardangervidda), Switzerland, France, and Pakistan; micro crystals worldwide.
What it gets confused with
Brookite: Brookite is flat striated blades; anatase is steep pyramids. Cassiterite: Cassiterite is much heavier (SG 7) with stubbier crystals. Black tourmaline (small): Tourmaline shows triangular cross-section prisms, not paired pyramids, and a duller luster.
What it is worth
Collector mineral; sharp blue Norwegian or Pakistani crystals are prized.
Where buyers get caught
Tiny lab-grown anatase exists from research labs but rarely enters the specimen trade; glued composites are the main thing to check.
One more thing
Anatase is a star of materials science, the same crystal structure powers self-cleaning windows and photocatalytic air purifiers.
An education-first guide.
No product links here. We do not sell anatase, and a guide that only covers our own shelves would not be much of a guide.
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