Rutile

Rutile is named after the Latin word rutilus, meaning red. Rutile is a rich source of titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide is a very white, opaque substance. Because of its opaque and reflective properties it is used as a pigment in paints, plastics and paper. Titanium dioxide is also used in sunscreen because of its ability to reflect UV light.

Titanium metal is very strong and stable. It is used in spacecraft, guided missiles, jewellery, artificial joints and heart pacemakers.

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