Comparison · Minerals vs Oxide Minerals
Cassiterite vs Rutile
Cassiterite and Rutile are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 6–7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Cassiterite and Rutile
- Both sit near Mohs 6–7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Streak color differs: Cassiterite leaves a white to grayish brown streak on unglazed porcelain, Rutile leaves pale brown to yellowish.
- Luster is different: Cassiterite is adamantine to submetallic while Rutile is adamantine.
- Cassiterite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 6.8–7.1 versus 4.25 for Rutile).
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Cassiterite is Translucent to opaque, Rutile is translucent.
- They overlap in brown, black, red, and yellow, but Cassiterite also comes in gray.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Cassiterite is Tetragonal, Rutile is tetragonal.
Cassiterite vs Rutile properties
| Property | Cassiterite | Rutile |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Oxide Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 6–7 | 6.5 |
| Luster | Adamantine to submetallic | adamantine |
| Streak | White to grayish brown | Pale brown to yellowish |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 6.8–7.1 | 4.25 |
| Crystal system | Tetragonal | tetragonal |
| Common colors | Brown, Black, Reddish brown, Yellow, Gray | Reddish brown, Black, Golden yellow, Red |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $10–$600+ |
Which is more valuable?
Rutile is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $80 against $20 for Cassiterite, and premium Rutile can reach $600 or more.
About Cassiterite
Cassiterite is tin oxide, SnO2, and has been the principal ore of tin since the Bronze Age. It crystallizes in the tetragonal system, typically as reddish-brown to black prismatic or pyramidal crystals with an adamantine luster and exceptionally high density for a nonmetallic-looking mineral. Its resistance to weathering means it survives erosion intact and concentrates in stream gravels as placer tin.
About Rutile
Rutile is a titanium dioxide mineral known for its high luster, deep reddish-brown to black color, and slender prismatic or needle-like crystals. It frequently occurs as golden or coppery needle inclusions within quartz, producing the popular rutilated quartz.
Cassiterite vs Rutile FAQ
Is Cassiterite the same as Rutile?
No. Cassiterite is a mineral while Rutile is a oxide mineral. Both sit near Mohs 6–7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Cassiterite from Rutile?
Both sit near Mohs 6–7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Streak color differs: Cassiterite leaves a white to grayish brown streak on unglazed porcelain, Rutile leaves pale brown to yellowish. Luster is different: Cassiterite is adamantine to submetallic while Rutile is adamantine.
Which is harder, Cassiterite or Rutile?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 6–7.
Which is more valuable, Cassiterite or Rutile?
Rutile is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $80 against $20 for Cassiterite, and premium Rutile can reach $600 or more.
