Ilmenite

Real mineral · common · FeTiO₃

Iron titanium oxide and the primary commercial source of titanium. Forms as an accessory mineral in igneous rocks and concentrates in beach sands through wave action. Often found intergrown with magnetite in gabbros.

Identity

Formula

FeTiO₃

Chemical class

oxide

Also known as

Titanium iron ore

Crystallography

Crystal system

trigonal

Habits

tabular, massive, granular

Fracture

subconchoidal

Physical properties

Mohs hardness

5.5

Density

4.72 g/cm³

Luster

metallic, submetallic

Colors

black, iron-black

Streak

black to brownish red

Transparency

opaque

Geology

Origins

igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary

Host rocks

gabbro, anorthosite, schist, beach sands

Associated minerals

Magnetite, Hematite, Rutile, Apatite

Geography

worldwide

Classification

Rarity

common

Gem quality

No

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