RUTILE

 Major Uses

Rutile is a mineral composed primarily of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and is commonly used in
various industrial applications. Here are some of the major uses of rutile:

1. Pigment Production: Rutile is used as a white pigment in paints, plastics, paper, and ceramics
due to its high refractive index and ability to scatter light efficiently. It is commonly used in
combination with other pigments to produce a wide range of colors.

2. Titanium Metal Production: Rutile is a major source of titanium metal, which is used in a variety
of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and medical. Rutile is processed to extract
titanium dioxide, which is then converted into titanium metal using various chemical and
metallurgical techniques.

3. Electrodes: Rutile is used as a coating material for welding electrodes due to its ability to
provide excellent arc stability and resistance to corrosion.

 4. Chemical Production: Rutile is used in the production of various chemicals, including

titanium tetrachloride, which is used in the manufacture of titanium metal and other titanium
compounds