RocksdayAnatase
Anatase is a mineral (TiO₂) with a Mohs hardness of 5.5–6 and an adamantine luster, usually blue, brown, black or yellow.
One of the three minerals with the formula TiO₂, with rutile and brookite. It often forms steep blue or brown pyramids.
How to identify anatase
- Sharp dipyramids, commonly blue, brown or black.
- Brilliant, almost metallic shine.
- Hardness about 5.5–6. White streak, unlike hematite.
Often confused with
Where it's found
- Alps, France and Switzerland
- Norway
- Minas Gerais, Brazil
Uses
A titanium mineral; the synthetic pigment is made from other titanium ores.
Rock tumbling
Not suitable for tumbling.
Did you know?
Rutile, anatase and brookite are the same chemistry in three crystal structures.
Anatase FAQ
What is anatase?
Anatase is a mineral (TiO₂) with a Mohs hardness of 5.5–6 and an adamantine luster, usually blue, brown, black or yellow. One of the three minerals with the formula TiO₂, with rutile and brookite. It often forms steep blue or brown pyramids.
How do you identify anatase?
Sharp dipyramids, commonly blue, brown or black. Brilliant, almost metallic shine. Hardness about 5.5–6. White streak, unlike hematite.
How hard is anatase?
Anatase has a Mohs hardness of 5.5–6. Anatase scratches glass, and a steel knife can't scratch it.
Where is anatase found?
Notable localities include Alps, France and Switzerland; Norway; and Minas Gerais, Brazil.
What is anatase used for?
A titanium mineral; the synthetic pigment is made from other titanium ores.
Can you tumble anatase?
It isn't a good choice for a rock tumbler.
What is anatase often confused with?
Anatase is most often confused with Rutile, Brookite and Titanite. Rutile is usually striated prisms or needles, and is harder (6–6.5). Brookite forms flat tablets, not steep pyramids. Titanite wedges are softer and are a silicate, not an oxide.
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