Anatase is one of the three mineral forms of titanium dioxide, the other two being brookite and rutile. It is always found as small, isolated and sharply developed crystals, and like rutile, a more commonly occurring modification of titanium dioxide, it crystallizes in the tetragonal system.

The key difference among the two is their appearance as Rutile Titanium Dioxide is usually found in dark red appearance, whereas anatase titanium dioxide is colorless. They have very important applications in different industries, particularly in the paint industry.

Anatase has a larger band gap than rutile TiO2. While this reduces the light that can be absorbed, it may raise the valence band maximum to higher energy levels relative to redox potentials of adsorbed molecules

There are two crystalline modifications of titanium dioxide: rutile and anatase. Only the anatase variety finds its use as a color additive for foodstuffs. The principal uses of this natural white pigment are in sub-coating of confectionery panned goods and in drinks.