Rutile

Rutile has many times the fire shown by diamond. However, it is masked by the red, brown, or black body color. The black material has been used in the morning jewelry. Yet, rutile is seen as rich, reddish brown, needle-like inclusions within quartz, or within other stones. The rutile crystals create a star effect by reflecting light.

A stone is known as ‘Sagenite’ when needle-like rutile inclusions intersect at 60 degrees. It is common to find matrix covered by crystalline rutile. Some stones have sprays of rutile inclusions.

Occurrence

Rutile is found in igneous and metamorphic rocks and alluvial deposits in Norway, Mexico, Italy, USA, Brazil, and Australia.

Rutile Properties

• Specific Gravity: 4.25
• Refractive Index: 2.62-2.90
• Birefringence (DR): 0.287
• Luster: Vitreous to metallic
• Crystal Structure: Tetragonal
• Composition: Titanium oxide
• Hardness: 6

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