Titanium

Primary Applications

Aerospace alloys, titanium dioxide pigment, chemical equipment, medical implants

Mining Significance

Titanium is produced principally from titanium-bearing minerals such as ilmenite and rutile, mined from heavy-mineral sands and hard-rock deposits. Most titanium mineral feedstock is used to manufacture titanium dioxide pigment, while a smaller high-value share is converted to titanium metal. Mineral grade, iron content, impurities, grain size, and liberation determine beneficiation requirements and suitability for pigment or metal production.

Industries

None listed

Titanium

47.87

Key Properties

High strength-to-weight ratio, particularly in titanium alloys.
Excellent corrosion resistance due to a stable surface oxide film.
High melting point and good performance at elevated temperatures.
Biocompatible, supporting medical and dental applications.
Strong affinity for oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon at high temperatures complicates metal production.

Mining Targets

This element is often found in the following Deposit Types and Mineral targets.

Deposit Type: Magmatic Fe-Ti-V Oxide - Magmatic oxide deposits formed by concentrations of iron-, titanium-, and locally vanadium-bearing minerals.

Mineral: Ilmenite - FeTiO₃ - Ilmenite is a principal titanium-bearing ore mineral in magmatic Fe-Ti oxide deposits.