Rutile

Rutile is a mineral composed of titanium dioxide, the oxide of titanium. It has a number of varities including noibium-bearing, anatase, brookite, and in needle form, occurs in rutilated quartz and other decorated stones like star sapphires. Rutile has many commercial applications such as paints and plastics, optics, semiconductors, and gemstones. The name comes from the Latin root of rutilus referring to reddish color, found often. Rutile is considered a healing stone in metaphysical philosphy deriving from its metallic and dissipative characterisitics.

Chemical Formula	TiO2
Color	Brownish yellow, red, golden yellow, orange red
Hardness	6.0Â -Â 6.5
Crystal System	Isometric
Refractive Index	2.613Â -Â 2.909
SG	4.2Â -Â 4.3
Transparency	Transparent to opaque
Double Refraction	0.287
Luster	Vitreous, Metallic
Cleavage	2,2;3,1
Mineral Class	Oxide