Rutile
Embed This Widget
Add the script tag and a data attribute to embed this widget.
Embed via iframe for maximum compatibility.
<iframe src="https://gemfyi.com/iframe/entity//" width="420" height="400" frameborder="0" style="border:0;border-radius:10px;max-width:100%" loading="lazy"></iframe>Paste this URL in WordPress, Medium, or any oEmbed-compatible platform.
https://gemfyi.com/entity//Add a dynamic SVG badge to your README or docs.
[](https://gemfyi.com/entity//)Use the native HTML custom element.
Add one script tag to your page:
<div data-gemfyi="entity" data-slug="rutile"></div>
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/gemfyi-embed@1/dist/embed.min.js" defer></script>
Embed as an iframe:
<iframe src="https://gemfyi.com/iframe/entity/rutile/?style=modern&theme=light" width="420" height="400" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" style="border:0;border-radius:10px;max-width:100%"></iframe>
Paste the URL in WordPress, Medium, or Ghost:
https://gemfyi.com/gems/rutile/
Shields.io-compatible SVG badge:
Web Component:
<gemfyi-entity slug="rutile"></gemfyi-entity>
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/gemfyi-embed@1/dist/embed.min.js" defer></script>
Physical & Optical Properties
Category
Semi-Precious Gems
Mohs Hardness
6.0 – 6.5
Specific Gravity
4.2 – 4.3
Refractive Index
2.609 – 2.903
Crystal System
Tetragonal
Cleavage
Distinct
Fracture
Sub-Conchoidal
Color
various
Birefringence
0.287
Pleochroism
Strong
Mohs Hardness
Mohs Hardness: 6.0 – 6.5
1 Soft10 Hard
Crystal System
Value & Market
Price Tier
Moderate ($50-500/ct)
Where to Buy Rutile
Blue Nile
Fine jewelry retailer
James Allen
Gemstone jewelry
Brilliant Earth
Ethically sourced gems
Amazon
Wide selection
Links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Treatments
Pale yellow, synthetic rutile may be turned an attractive blue color by heating at over 1000�C in a reducing atmosphere. Heating at 1000�C in oxygen reverses this change (Nassau, 1980) - Nassau (1984)
Synthetic rutile: Colourless, yellowish, Transparent; Hardness 6 - 6.5; RI 2.616 - 2.903; Birefringence 0.287; Uniaxial/+; SG 4.26; Inclusions: occasionally gas bubbles - Gemmological Tables, Ulrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, 2004, p 31
6 to 6.5Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
4.20 to 4.30Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
DistinctUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)
Sub-ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
2.609 to 2.903Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
Uniaxial/+Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
0.287Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) DoublingMore from other references
StrongArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Very highHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
Yes, star 4Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
(Dark) yellowish brown, reddish brown, blackHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
Blue (synthetic rutile), Band transition due to the presence of Ti3+W. William Hanneman, Pragmatic Spectroscopy For Gemologists (2011)
Transparent,Translucent,OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)
Adamantine,MetallicMichael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
InertHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
TetragonalHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
slender prismatic striated lengthways, variably terminated and often geniculate twinned crystalsMichael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Rutile occurs as a common high-temperature, highpressure accessory mineral in igneous rocks and granite pegmatites and in regionally metamorphosed rocks including crystalline limestones. Rutile needles are common inclusions in a number of gem minerals.Michael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Rutile information at mindat.org
Brazil
Gems, Sixth Edition, Michael O’Donoghue, 2006, p. 445
Kyrgyzstan
Myanmar
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Russia
Sri Lanka
About Rutile
Rutile is a titanium dioxide mineral with an exceptionally high refractive index and strong dispersion, producing brilliant golden-red to reddish-brown crystals with an adamantine metallic luster and striking twinned knee-shaped forms. As a gemstone, it is extremely rare in transparent facetable form, with fine red stones from Minas Gerais, Brazil being particularly prized by collectors. Rutile's most familiar role is as the golden needle-like inclusions found in rutilated quartz and star sapphires.
Jewelry Use
Durability
5/10
Science FYI Family
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rutile?
Rutile is a titanium dioxide mineral with an exceptionally high refractive index and strong dispersion, producing brilliant golden-red to reddish-brown crystals with an adamantine metallic luster and striking twinned knee-shaped forms. As a gemstone, it is extremely rare in transparent facetable for
What is the hardness of Rutile?
Rutile has a Mohs hardness of 6.0 to 6.5, making it moderate for use in jewelry.
What color is Rutile?
Rutile is primarily Various.
How much does Rutile cost?
Rutile falls into the Moderate ($50-500/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.
What is the crystal system of Rutile?
Rutile belongs to the Tetragonal crystal system.