Geology / History
Rutile is a mineral composed primarily of Titanium dioxide, TiO2 & is the most common natural form of TiO2. Two rarer polymorphs of TiO2 are Anatase & Brookite.
Rutile has among the highest refractive indices at visible wavelengths of any known crystal & also exhibits particularly large birefringence & high dispersion. Owing to these properties, it is useful for the manufacture of certain optical elements, especially polarization optics for longer visible & infrared wavelengths up to about 4.5μm.
Natural Rutile may contain up to 10% Iron & significant amounts of Niobium & Tantalum. Rutile derives its name from the Latin rutilus - red. In reference to the deep red colour observed in some specimens when viewed by transmitted light.
Metaphysical Properties
The Angel hair crystal cleans & energises the aura drawing off negative energy, dissolving barriers to your growth. Helps to let go of the past & forgive emotional wounds through compassionate understanding. Rutile soothes dark moods & lifts your energy. Connects you to your past lives & the higher Divine plans for the present. Increases universal connection, intuition & trust in self. Opens the mind to see truth within existence, we are infinite beings capable of greatness.
Brings light into the darkness & removes the illusion of duality. Connects to a pure Angelic healing energy & brings forth Divine guidance. Excellent for manifestation as it is of unwavering strength & projects intent with great power. Rutile expands the mind & allows for deep understanding of universal connectivity. Aligns all chakras releasing energy blockages & boosting Kundalini this enhances the bodies energy field. Rutile teaches us our individual beauty is effortless & external judgements are irrelevant. We are perfect just by being!
Crystal Healing
Increase fertility, excellent for exhaustion, thyroid & bronchitis.
Mineralogy
Group: Oxide Mineral
Crystal System: Tetragonal ditetragonal dipyramidal
Composition: TiO2
Form/Habit: Acicular to Prismatic crystals, elongated &striated
Hardness: 6-6.5
Cleavage: Good - moderate
Fracture: Uneven to Sub-conchoidal
Lustre: Adamantine to submetallic
Streak: Bright red to dark red
Specific Gravity: 4.23
Transparency: Opaque, transparent in thin fragments
R.I: 2.613
Colour: Reddish brown, red, pale yellow, pale blue, violet, rarely grass-green; black if high in Nb–Ta
Birefringence: 0.296
Pleochroism: Weak to distinct brownish red-green-yellow