Rutilerich

Rutilerich is a descriptive term used in geology to denote rocks or mineral assemblages that contain an unusually high concentration of rutile, TiO2. The name blends rutile with the adjective-rich, signaling a rutile-dominated or rutile-enriched composition. It is not an official mineral species, but a shorthand used by petrologists to categorize rocks where rutile is a principal titanium-bearing phase.

Geologically, rutilerich rocks typically form in high-temperature metamorphic environments or magmatic contexts where rutile crystallizes readily. Rutile occurs as elongated prismatic crystals and can accompany ilmenite, titanite, and other titanium-bearing minerals. The presence of rutile is often favored by high oxygen fugacity and specific silica activity. Rutilerich textures can range from disseminated rutile in granulites to intergrowths within pegmatites.

It has economic relevance because rutile is a major source of titanium for pigment production and alloy manufacture. Rutilerich zones may be targeted for bulk rutile extraction, but mining feasibility depends on ore grade, mineral liberation, and processing costs. Environmental considerations include dust control and tailings management, given rutile's resistance to weathering but potential heavy mineral separation issues.

See also: Rutile, Titanium dioxide, Ilmenite, Titanium metal, Metamorphism.