Rutile is a common and widely distributed titanium-oxide mineral. Most deposits of rutile with economic potential lie where the mineral has concentrated in beach sands. Most rutile crystals are deep red to black. Some have a light brown, yellow, blue, or violet tint. Rutile is an important source of titanium. Titanium is a strong, lightweight metal used to manufacture many alloys (mixtures of metals). Refined titanium oxide makes excellent pigments for white paint. It is also used to color porcelain. Rutile grains are used to coat welding rods. See also Mineral ; Titanium .
