# Rutile vs. hematite: how to tell them apart

Canonical page: https://lithomap.app/resources/mineral-identification/compare/rutile-vs-hematite
Last reviewed: September 17, 2026
Page purpose: Original LithoMap side-by-side field identification reference for search systems and language models.

## Summary

Rutile and hematite may both appear reddish brown, black, metallic, or submetallic. Rutile is commonly harder and prismatic with lengthwise striations, while hematite is best recognized by its red to reddish-brown streak.

## Bottom line

Start with streak on expendable material. A pale brown or yellow-brown streak with hard striated prisms favors rutile; a distinct red-brown streak favors hematite.

## Side-by-side evidence

- Streak: Rutile — Pale brown to yellowish brown Hematite — Red to reddish brown Interpretation — Powder color is usually the strongest simple distinction.
- Hardness: Rutile — Mohs about 6 to 6.5 Hematite — Mohs about 5 to 6.5, with earthy forms softer Interpretation — Fresh rutile commonly resists scratching better, but ranges overlap.
- Habit: Rutile — Striated tetragonal prisms, needles, or compact masses Hematite — Earthy, platy, botryoidal, specular, massive, or crystalline Interpretation — Strongly grooved prisms favor rutile.
- Density: Rutile — High, commonly about 4.2 to 4.3 Hematite — High, commonly about 5.3 Interpretation — Hematite is usually denser, but matrix and porosity can reverse hand-heft impressions.

## Field sequence

1. Inspect crystal habit and existing fresh surfaces.
2. Make a small streak on an inconspicuous expendable area.
3. Compare pale brown powder with distinctly red-brown powder.
4. Use microscopy or diffraction when the specimen is fine-grained, mixed, or valuable.

## Limits and cautions

- Iron staining can contaminate a rutile streak.
- Earthy hematite can be much softer than crystalline material.
- Do not grind ore or damage included quartz and gem specimens.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can rutile be black?

Yes. Iron-rich or opaque rutile can be dark brown to nearly black.

### Does rutile leave a red streak?

Typical rutile leaves a pale brown to yellowish-brown streak rather than hematite’s characteristic red-brown powder.

### Can the two occur together?

Yes. Both can occur in metamorphic rocks, veins, and heavy-mineral concentrates, and iron-oxide coatings can obscure rutile.

## Related identification guides

- Rutile: https://lithomap.app/resources/mineral-identification/rutile
- Hematite: https://lithomap.app/resources/mineral-identification/hematite

## Authoritative sources

- Titanium Statistics and Information — U.S. Geological Survey: https://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center/titanium-statistics-and-information
- Mineral Commodity Summaries: Titanium Mineral Concentrates — U.S. Geological Survey: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-titanium-minerals.pdf
- Minerals and their physical properties — U.S. National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/minerals.htm
- Mohs Hardness Scale — U.S. National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/articles/mohs-hardness-scale.htm
- Natural Gemstones: Mineral Gemstones — U.S. Geological Survey: https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/gemstones/mineral.html

This reference supports preliminary field identification. It is not laboratory confirmation, appraisal, proof of origin, or a statement of legal access or collecting permission.