Rutile

Transmitted Circular Polarized Light

Definition/Function:

Rutile is one form of Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂).

Significance in the Environment:

Characteristic Features:

Rutile belongs to the tetragonal crystal system and is optically positive. Its refractive indices are 2.605-2.613 and 2.899-2.901. Its birefringence ranges from 0.286 to 0.296. The density of Rutile ranges from 4.23 to 5.5 grams/cc. Small grains tend to be reddish brown to yellow. Rutile is often found in soils and sands as a well formed crystal or as a rounded ellipse.

Associated Particles:

Rutile is common in heavy mineral sand formations.

References:

Deer, W. A., R. A. Howie, and J. Zussman, AN INTRODCUTION TO THE ROCK-FORMING MINERALS, ISBN 0-582-30094-0, pp. 548-551, 1992.