RocksdayAnatase vs Rutile
The quickest way to tell Anatase from Rutile: Anatase leaves a white streak; Rutile leaves pale brown.
One of the three minerals with the formula TiO₂, with rutile and brookite. It often forms steep blue or brown pyramids.
Photo: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA 4.0
Titanium dioxide, forming red-brown to black striated prisms or golden needles inside quartz.
Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick tests
- Streak (rub on unglazed porcelain): Anatase leaves a white streak; Rutile leaves pale brown.
Key differences
- Rutile is usually striated prisms or needles, and is harder (6–6.5).
Side by side
| Property | Anatase | Rutile |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 5.5–6 | 6–6.5 |
| Luster | Adamantine | Adamantine to submetallic |
| Streak | White | Pale brown |
| Colors | Blue, Brown, Black, Yellow | Red, Brown, Black, Gold |
| Crystal system | Tetragonal | Tetragonal |
| Specific gravity | 3.8–3.9 | 4.2–4.3 |
| Formula | TiO₂ | TiO₂ |
| Found in | Alps, France and Switzerland; Norway | Graves Mountain, Georgia; Minas Gerais, Brazil |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify anatase
- Sharp dipyramids, commonly blue, brown or black.
- Brilliant, almost metallic shine.
- Hardness about 5.5–6. White streak, unlike hematite.
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Full Anatase guide →How to identify rutile
- Deep red to black prisms with lengthwise striations.
- Very bright, almost metallic luster.
- Often as golden hair-like needles inside quartz.
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Full Rutile guide →More comparisons
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between anatase and rutile?
Anatase is a mineral (TiO₂) with a Mohs hardness of 5.5–6 and an adamantine luster, usually blue, brown, black or yellow. Rutile is a mineral (TiO₂) with a Mohs hardness of 6–6.5 and an adamantine to submetallic luster, usually red, brown, black or golden.
How can you tell anatase from rutile?
Anatase leaves a white streak; Rutile leaves pale brown. Rutile is usually striated prisms or needles, and is harder (6–6.5).
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
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