Rutile Mineral Detials

 

Rutile Mineral Information

What are Rutile Crystals?

Rutile is a titanium oxide mineral that forms in elongated or prismatic crystals. It is typically found as an accessory mineral in igneous and metamorphic rocks, but it can also form as a primary mineral in hydrothermal veins. Rutile crystals are often found in association with other titanium minerals such as brookite and anatase, as well as with hematite, quartz, and feldspar.

Discovery

Rutile was first described in 1803 by Abraham Gottlob Werner.

Physical Properties

• Color: Black, reddish brown, yellow, golden, brown, violet, blue, green, gray.
• Crystal System: Tetragonal.
• Cleavage: [110] Distinct, [100] Indistinct, [001] Indistinct.
• Fracture: Conchoidal.
• Hardness: 6-6.5.
• Luster: Metallic, submetallic, adamantine, dull.
• Streak: Pale brown to black.
• Specific Gravity: 4.23-4.35.

Optical Properties

• Refractive Index: 2.613-2.905.
• Birefringence: 0.290-0.327.
• Optical Character: Uniaxial (-).
• Dispersion: 0.330-0.360.
• Pleochroism: Dichroic, yellow-brown, yellow-green, brown-green.

Healing Properties

• Rutile is believed to increase energy levels and provide mental clarity.
• It is said to enhance creativity and improve focus.
• It is also believed to have a positive effect on the respiratory system and to strengthen the immune system.
• Rutile is associated with the Zodiac signs of Taurus and Leo.