Ilmeniittiä

Ilmeniittiä is a mineral composed of iron and titanium oxide, with the chemical formula FeTiO3. It is one of the most important titanium ore minerals and is also a significant source of iron. Ilmeniittiä typically appears as black, opaque, metallic crystals or grains. Its hardness is between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale, and it has a specific gravity of around 4.7.

This mineral is found in a variety of geological settings, including igneous rocks like gabbro and basalt, as well as metamorphic rocks. It is also commonly found in placer deposits, which are sands and gravels that have been concentrated by the action of water. Large deposits of ilmeniittiä are mined worldwide, with significant occurrences in Australia, Canada, Norway, and South Africa.

The primary use of ilmeniittiä is as a source of titanium dioxide (TiO2), which is used as a white pigment in paints, plastics, paper, and cosmetics. Titanium dioxide's bright white color and opacity make it an ideal pigment for these applications. Ilmeniittiä is also processed to extract titanium metal, which is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. This makes titanium metal valuable in aerospace, medical implants, and sporting goods.

Beyond its role as a titanium source, ilmeniittiä can also be a source of iron. While not as high-grade as traditional iron ores, it can be processed for iron extraction, particularly in areas where it is abundant. The mineral's magnetic properties also make it useful in some specialized applications, although this is a minor use compared to its role as an ore.