Speaking about precious and semi-precious stones, rutile is one of the most striking on the planet. For this reason, we invite you to learn about all its properties, characteristics and applications at an industrial and daily level. We will give specific details about one of the most beautiful specimens of nature.
What is rutile?
The rutile stone is a mineral composed mostly of titanium oxide. It is characterized by crystallizing in a distorted and tetragonal way, presenting different impurities of metallic compounds. It belongs to the class of oxides and has a chemical formula of TiO2.
It is a material with different applications in the industrial field, although also with certain properties “ magical ”. Obviously, his powers beyond scientists have no professional verification. However, over the years, different spiritual meanings.
Mineralogical characteristics
One of the most striking qualities of this rock is its contrast of different colors and habits. It is one of the most interesting minerals, with multiple crystal shapes, styles, and associations. It ranges from mirror-like finishes to dark metallic finishes.
It consists of a product composed of titanium dioxide, usually with iron, although sometimes with tantalum either niobium. Its shades vary between dark red, brownish, orange, golden yellow, among others. Its stripe is white and at times light brown.
The hardness level on the Mohs scale is from 6 to 6.5, belonging to the system tetragonal crystalline. It forms in long, thin and straight crystals, often striated. It can also be seen in short and thick prismatic crystals.
| rutile | Properties and characteristics |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | TiO2 |
| class, group | oxide, rutile group |
| Composition | Titanium dioxide, often with iron, occasionally with minor niobium or tantalum. |
| Color | Dark Red, Metallic Grey, Brownish Red, Orange Red, Dark Red, Golden Yellow, Straw Yellow |
| Stripe | White to light brown |
| Mohs hardness | 6 – 6.5 |
| Crystalline system | tetragonal |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque. Often transparent at the thin edges and backlighting. |
| Specific weight or density | 4.2 – 4.3 gr/cm3 |
| Brightness | Adamantine, submetallic |
| Fracture | Unequal |
| Tenacity | Fragile |
| striking features | Color, crystal habits, luster, and high specific gravity. |
Important deposits
Another of the most striking characteristics of this mineral is that it is found in many parts of world. In fact, there is a large number of mineral deposits from which this stone can be extracted. Now, the classic specimens are generally taken from Switzerland, Italy and Brazil.
The United States is another of the countries with notorious sources of the mineral, although smaller. Normally, the appearance of Rutiles in the world is in isolated and small specimens.
Rutile stone meaning
This stone is one of the most attractive, unique and rare of the nature. Therefore, it has been associated with different properties that make the gem an enhancer of positive energies. Of course, it has already been mentioned that these properties do not have scientific verification.
Be that as it may, it is a sought-after rock to improve the positivism, the overcoming staff and the energies. The stone has also been linked to wisdom, as well as spiritual reconnection, specifically with Mother Nature.
Rutile Gem Properties
Since it has quite a high energy, it is a sought after stone to align all the chakras properly. People say that manifest spiritual goals, purifying the aura to obtain a better connection. Many people use the stone to get peace of mind in difficult times or receive protection of negative energies.
On the other hand, it has served as a representative symbol of people with Leo, Taurus and Virgo zodiac signs. As a consequence, it has become a high demand meditation object in the market.
Rutile Uses
Obviously, considering its supposed spiritual powers, it is a popular meditation stone. It’s seen in amulets and talismans in many of the people who believe in its esoteric properties. However, its main application is intended for the jewelry field.
Due to its excellent beauty, and since it is a rare mineral, its market value is quite high. It is frequent in pendants, bracelets, necklaces, chains, rings, charms, among other varieties of clothing. Jewelry accessories and ornamental pieces are very attractive and durable.
This mineral is also used in association with other products of nature. For example, it is combined with hematite, quartz, siderite, dolomite, orthoclase, barite, among others as with the aim of manufacturing top-class jewelry.