Rutile is an interesting, extremely varied and important mineral. Its colors include golden-yellow, red, reddish-brown and black with an adamantine and metallic luster. On one hand, it forms mirror-like metallic-looking crystals, to red/dark-reddish gem quality crystals, to bright golden-yellow needle-like crystals. With all these colors and forms, it’s a collector’s dream! It also is associated with numerous contrasting minerals, including Hematite, Quartz, Muscovite, Calcite, Siderite and Smoky Quartz.

The crystal system for Rutile is tetragonal, often as long, slender and straight prismatic crystals, typically striated with complex terminations. Twinning is very common with various forms including sixlings, eightlings, knee-shaped twins and v-shaped twins. Another very common and collectable form involves inclusions of thin, golden, needle-like acicular crystals in clear or Smokey Quartz, referred to as Rutilated Quartz. Other forms include reticulated, massive, bladed and in veins.

Rutile is a common mineral found worldwide. Localities notable for quality specimens include Brazil, Italy, Switzerland, Madagascar, Mozambique and the USA (Georgia, Arkansas, California).