RocksdayBrookite vs Rutile
The quickest way to tell Brookite from Rutile: Brookite leaves a white streak; Rutile leaves pale brown.
The orthorhombic form of TiO₂, typically thin brown or black plates.
Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky, CC BY-SA 3.0
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): Brookite leaves a white streak; Rutile leaves pale brown.
Key differences
- Rutile is usually needles or striated prisms and is slightly harder.
Side by side
| Property | Brookite | Rutile |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 5.5–6 | 6–6.5 |
| Luster | Adamantine | Adamantine to submetallic |
| Streak | White | Pale brown |
| Colors | Brown, Black, Red | Red, Brown, Black, Gold |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic | Tetragonal |
| Specific gravity | 4.1–4.2 | 4.2–4.3 |
| Formula | TiO₂ | TiO₂ |
| Found in | Magnet Cove, Arkansas; Alps | Graves Mountain, Georgia; Minas Gerais, Brazil |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify brookite
- Flat, wafer-like brown to black crystals.
- Strong shine and a white to pale streak.
- Hardness about 5.5–6.
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Full Brookite 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 brookite and rutile?
Brookite is a mineral (TiO₂) with a Mohs hardness of 5.5–6 and an adamantine luster, usually brown, black or red. 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 brookite from rutile?
Brookite leaves a white streak; Rutile leaves pale brown. Rutile is usually needles or striated prisms and is slightly harder.
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
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