Ilmenite

Ilmenite is a popular mineral composed of iron titanium oxide. ^[1]

Ilmenite: Quick Facts and Characteristics

Some quick facts for Ilmenite:

• Transparency: Ilmenite is opaque.
• Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, ilmenite is hexagonal.
• Luster: In terms of luster, ilmenite is metallic.
• Streak: Ilmenite streaks dark grayish-black, dark reddish-brown, grayish-black, grayish-black dark or reddish-brown.
• Hardness: Ilmenite's hardness ranges from 5 to 6 on the Moh's scale.

Ilmenite: Background and Summary

Ilmenite is a titanium-iron oxide mineral with the chemical formula FeTiO3. It is commonly found in igneous rocks and sediments, and is the primary ore of titanium. Ilmenite is typically black or dark brown in color, with a metallic luster and a submetallic to opaque appearance. It has a Mohs hardness of 5-6 and a specific gravity of 4.5-5.0.

To identify ilmenite, one can perform a simple visual inspection. It is usually black or dark brown with a metallic luster and opaque appearance. Ilmenite can also be identified using X-ray diffraction or electron microprobe analysis.

Ilmenite is used in a variety of applications due to its high titanium content. It is used as a pigment in paints, plastics, and paper, as well as in the production of titanium dioxide, which is used in the production of titanium metal. It is also used as a flux in the production of steel and as a source of titanium for the aerospace industry.