anatazy

Anatazy is a mineral species of titanium dioxide, with the chemical formula TiO2. It is one of the three common polymorphs of titanium dioxide, the others being brookite and rutile. Anatazy is characterized by its tetragonal crystal system and typically forms prismatic crystals that are often sharp and pointed. While it shares the same chemical composition as rutile, anatazy possesses a different crystal structure, leading to distinct physical properties.

Anatazy is a relatively soft mineral, with a Mohs hardness of 5.5 to 6. It is generally opaque to translucent and can vary in color from yellow, brown, and black to red and blue, though it is often encountered in grayish-blue or black hues. Its streak is typically white or pale yellow. Anatazy is less dense than rutile and has a lower refractive index. It is also diamagnetic.

This mineral is found in a variety of geological settings. It often occurs in metamorphic rocks, such as schists and gneisses, and can also be found in sedimentary rocks. Hydrothermal veins and pegmatites are other environments where anatazy may form. While not as economically important as rutile for titanium extraction due to its lower density and less stable structure under high temperatures, anatazy is still a significant source of titanium dioxide. It is also studied for its photocatalytic properties, which are being explored for applications in environmental remediation and energy production. Gemstone varieties of anatazy are rare but can be found, typically faceted for collectors.