leucoxene

Leucoxene is a granular, opaque, white to grayish-white mineraloid. It is not a distinct mineral species but rather a fine-grained alteration product of titanium-bearing minerals, most commonly ilmenite (FeTiO3). Leucoxene forms when ilmenite undergoes weathering or hydrothermal alteration. During this process, iron is leached out, leaving behind a titanium-rich residue.

The chemical composition of leucoxene is variable but typically consists of a mixture of titanium dioxide polymorphs, primarily anatase (TiO2) and rutile (TiO2), along with smaller amounts of brookite (TiO2). It may also contain trace amounts of other elements, including aluminum, iron, and silicon, often incorporated as impurities or as fine intergrowths with other minerals.

Leucoxene is commonly found in a variety of igneous and metamorphic rocks, as well as in sedimentary deposits. It is often associated with ilmenite deposits. Its presence can indicate the degree of alteration that a rock or mineral has undergone. Economically, leucoxene is a significant source of titanium, which is used in the production of pigments, metals, and other industrial applications. It is often mined alongside ilmenite. The identification and characterization of leucoxene are important in geological exploration and mineral resource assessment.