Rutile Crystals in Pyrophyllite - Champion Mine, California

This specimen contains rutile crystals with a metallic luster that formed within a pyrophyllite matrix. It was collected from the Champion Mine within the White Mountains of California.

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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DETAILS
SPECIES
Rutile
LOCATION
Champion Mine, White Mountains, California
SIZE
1.75 x 1.1" entire specimen. Largest crystal is .5" long
CATEGORY
ITEM
#127012