January 2024 – Rutile

The mineral of the month for January 2024 is rutile. This mineral is often found in metamorphic rocks, igneous rocks and heavy mineral sands. Rutile crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system and usually develops short to long prismatic crystals. Rutile also frequently forms twins. In crystallography, twins are defined as at least two legally intergrown crystals with the same chemical composition and crystal structure. Rutile usually has a characteristic red to brownish-red coloration. However, rutile not only forms beautiful minerals, but is also used in our everyday lives. Rutile is an important component in the production of white pigments. These pigments are used extensively in the production of paints, coatings, plastics and paper. And is rutile mined? Australia and Sierra Leone are among the largest producers. This means that rutile has finally been voted into the Mineral of the Month category – it was long overdue!

Rutile

TiO₂

Locality: Binntal, Wallis, Switzerland

Size: 4x12x8 cm (HxLxW)

Weight: 380 g