Large Rutile Crystal on Matrix - Georgia

This specimen contains a large, deep red-black rutile crystal with a metallic-like appearance, on a rutile-pyrophyllite matrix with quartz. The rutile crystal at the center of the specimen has the typical scuff marks that can be found on many specimens coming out of this locality, as well as what looks to be a transverse stress fracture through the top of the crystal.

Rutile is an oxide mineral composed primarily of TiO2, though iron is a typical chemical variation. It comes in a wide variety of crystal forms, from lustrous metallic-looking crystals and thin straw-like crystals to even deep red crystals with slight translucence. Rutile also forms needle-like inclusion with other minerals, most commonly with quartz. Rarer polymorphs of rutile (TiO2) include anatase and brookite, both of which have unique crystal structures.

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