Rutile titanium dioxide is the most common form. It is preferably used in interference applications because of its high refractive index. It is also hard and has chemical resistant properties. Rutile has many significant uses. In beach sands, if there is a large quantity of rutile, it serves as an important component of heavy mineral sand ore deposits. These sand ore deposits are eventually extracted to get the rutile mineral for the production of refractory ceramic, titanium metal, and pigment. The powdered form of rutile serves as white pigmentation for paints, paper, plastics, foods and other objects which need a white color.

Rutile is most common natural form of titanium dioxide.Rutile form of titanium dioxide is used in manufacturing of polarization optics for longer and visible infrared wavelengths and it is also used as a UV absorbing agent.

Rutile titanium dioxide (Rutile) referred to as R-type, have a stable lattice, is an important white Pigments and porcelain glazes are superior in whiteness, tinting power, hiding power, weatherability, heat resistance, and chemical stability, especially non-toxic, compared to other white pigments.

Anatase is the rarest form of titanium dioxide, but it has almost the same properties as rutile with regards to its hardness, density, and luster. However, you can distinguish the two minerals apart by their cleavage and crystal habit. Both anatase and rutile are tetragonal in structure, but the anatase has octahedrons that share four edges forming the four-fold axis. Anatase is also used for the white pigmentation of paints, paper, and ceramics, but it is not advisable to use it outdoors because of its lower absorption rate than rutile.
Anatase ore is used as whitening agent in paper, tooth paste & ceramics industry.