Rutile (TiO₂) is the highest-temperature TiO₂ polymorph (with anatase low-T and brookite intermediate). Its name from Latin “rutilus” (red) reflects its diagnostic blood-red translucent crystals. Rutile is the principal industrial source of titanium and a common accessory mineral in metamorphic and igneous rocks. Acicular needles in quartz produce “rutilated quartz” — a major collector variety.
Key Facts
- Mohs hardness 6–6.5.
- Tetragonal; long prismatic and acicular crystals.
- High refractive index (2.7) and adamantine luster.
- Major industrial Ti source for paint pigments and metallurgy.
- “Rutilated quartz” with golden Rutile needles is iconic collector material.
Notable Localities
Diamantina (Minas Gerais, Brazil) yields rutilated quartz. Graves Mountain (Georgia, USA) and Pakistani pegmatites supply large red prisms.
Found at these Localities
- Swiss Alps (Alpine-Cleft Province) (瑞士阿尔卑斯高山裂隙矿物产地)
- Trimouns Talc Mine (特里穆滑石矿(法国))
- Kharan, Balochistan (卡兰板钛矿产地)
- Cavradi Gorge (卡瓦拉迪峡谷)
- Magnet Cove (马格尼特湾碱性杂岩)
- Eastern Brazilian Pegmatite Province (巴西东部伟晶岩省)
