Rutile is the most common natural form of titanium dioxide (TiO2), and among the most refractive of any known mineral. When present in large enough quantities, rutile forms an important constituent of heavy mineral sands ore deposits.

Rutile is generally used in three main sectors: the manufacture of Ti02, welding rods and for the production of titanium sponge. The majority is used for pigment. Finely powdered rutile is a brilliant white pigment and is used in paints, plastics, paper, foods, and other applications that call for a bright white color. Titanium dioxide pigment is the single greatest use of titanium worldwide. Due to its refractive capability, rutile is also used in suncreens.

Historically, global rutile production has been dominated by Australia and in 1976 Australian production represented 97% of world supply. However, since the late 1970’s there has been an increasingly diverse production profile, with the emergence of the US, South Africa, Sierra Leone and the Ukraine as significant suppliers. Today, Australia produces about 40% of world rutile supplies. Rutile production has spiked in recent years, with global production jumping about 50% between 2005, to 2008, to a peak of 663,000 tonnes. The major markets for titanium mill products are North America, Europe and increasingly China.