Rutile is TiO₂ and an economically important titanium mineral. Its resistance to weathering allows it to accumulate in heavy-mineral sands with zircon and ilmenite.
- Formula / structure
- TiO₂
- Ore role
- High-Ti economic mineral
- Preparation focus
- Separate individual heavy-mineral grains from mixed feed
What is Rutile and how does it occur in ore?
Rutile can occur as naturally liberated grains in placers but may be locked in gangue in some hard-rock sources. Source type directly changes the need for comminution.
How does rutile preparation differ from ilmenite preparation?
Rutile is a TiO₂ phase without structural iron, whereas ilmenite is FeTiO₃. This difference can influence magnetic separation and product specification.
Which behaviour matters during ore preparation?
In heavy-mineral sands, controlled size ranges can improve the use of density, magnetic and electrostatic contrasts. Very fine particles can make physical separation more difficult.
Hard-rock rutile should be ground only enough for liberation, while placer rutile should be handled to avoid unnecessary breakage of already liberated grains.
Which inputs should be verified?
- Source type
- Rutile-ilmenite-zircon proportions
- Particle-size distribution
- Magnetic/electrostatic properties
- Product impurities