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Rutile
Rutile is oxide (titanium), TiO₂. In the hand, it rates 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, and it runs red-brown and copper red. Red-to-black metallic-brilliant prisms with knee-bend 'elbow' twins, and the golden hair-needles famous inside rutilated quartz. Metamorphics, pegmatites, and beach sands: Brazil (Minas needles), Switzerland (Alpine clefts), Australia (sand ore), Georgia (USA).
The geology.
Rutile carries the formula TiO₂. It belongs to the tetragonal system. The trade files it under oxide (titanium).
It sits at 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads adamantine to submetallic. Light behaviour is transparent red to opaque black. Specific gravity runs 4.18 to 4.25. The streak is pale brown to yellowish. It breaks with distinct prismatic cleavage; uneven fracture.
Red-to-black metallic-brilliant prisms with knee-bend 'elbow' twins, and the golden hair-needles famous inside rutilated quartz.
Common cuts are striated prisms, elbow twins, golden needles in quartz or epitaxial stars on hematite.
The origins.
Metamorphics, pegmatites, and beach sands: Brazil (Minas needles), Switzerland (Alpine clefts), Australia (sand ore), Georgia (USA).
On value, the database notes: affordable; sharp twins and gem red crystals are collector pieces.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, rutile is associated with amplifying intention and 'angel hair' light themes.
Included for completeness. Tradition is worth knowing about, and it is worth keeping separate from the mineralogy.
Spotting the real thing.
Red-to-black metallic-brilliant prisms with knee-bend 'elbow' twins, and the golden hair-needles famous inside rutilated quartz.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Cassiterite | Cassiterite is far heavier (SG 7 vs 4.2); rutile leans red with brown streak |
| Black tourmaline | Schorl has rounded-triangle cross-sections and no adamantine flash |
| Hematite | Hematite streaks red-brown and forms plates; the two grow together in six-ray stars |
At-home tests.
These checks cost nothing. Daylight, a 10x loupe and a little patience are the whole kit for rutile.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| By eye | Adamantine luster with striated square-ish prisms |
| By eye | Elbow twin bends |
| By eye | Pale brown streak; moderately heavy |
If these checks leave you unsure, that is what appraisers are for. Do not file, heat or soak a piece to find out.
Care & handling.
At 6 to 6.5 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 distinct prismatic cleavage; uneven fracture, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Most damage happens during cleaning, not wearing. Avoid steamers, ultrasonic tanks and anything from under the sink.
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: 4.18 to 4.25. Streak: Pale brown to yellowish. Cleavage and fracture: Distinct prismatic cleavage; uneven fracture.
How it reaches the market
Metamorphics, pegmatites, and beach sands: Brazil (Minas needles), Switzerland (Alpine clefts), Australia (sand ore), Georgia (USA).
What it gets confused with
Cassiterite: Cassiterite is far heavier (SG 7 vs 4.2); rutile leans red with brown streak. Black tourmaline: Schorl has rounded-triangle cross-sections and no adamantine flash. Hematite: Hematite streaks red-brown and forms plates; the two grow together in six-ray stars.
What it is worth
Affordable; sharp twins and gem red crystals are collector pieces.
One more thing
Star sapphires owe their stars to rutile, oriented needles inside corundum bend light into six-rayed asterism.
An education-first guide.
There is nothing to buy on this page. Rutile is not part of our catalogue, and the guide is here anyway because somebody searching the name deserves a straight answer.
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