Ilmenite
Ilmenite
Ilmenite ore, primarily composed of titanium-iron oxide (FeTiO₃), is the main source of titanium dioxide (TiO₂), widely used as a white pigment in paints, plastics, paper, and cosmetics. It is also a key raw material for producing titanium metal, which is valued for its strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance, making it essential in aerospace, medical implants, and high-performance engineering. Additionally, ilmenite is used in welding rod coatings, as a flux in steelmaking, and in some ceramics and glass manufacturing. Its versatility makes it a crucial mineral in various industries.
Chemical Composition and Properties for Ilmenite Ore
– General Formula: FeTiO₃ (iron titanium oxide)
– Primary Components: Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and iron oxide (FeO)
– Iron Content: Typically ranging from 25–37% iron by weight
– Colour: Black to dark brown, often with a metallic to submetallic lustre
– Crystal System: Trigonal (hexagonal scalenohedral)
– Hardness: 5 – 6 on the Mohs scale
– Specific Gravity: 4.5 – 5.0
Chemical Information
– CAS Number: 12168-52-4 (commonly used to refer to ilmenite)
– Chemical Composition: FeTiO₃, a mixed oxide of iron and titanium
– Molecular Weight: 151.71 g/mol
– HS Code: 2614.00.00.00 (for titanium ores and concentrates, ilmenite-based)
Specifications
Typical Properties
| Alumina (as Al2O3) | 0.20 ~ 1.50 % |
| Iron (as Fe2O3) | 10 ~ 27 % |
| Iron (as FeO) | 15 ~ 37 % |
| Silica (as SiO2) | 0.30 ~ 2.30 % |
| Magnesium (as MgO) | 0.20 ~ 0.99 % |
| Calcium (as CaO) | 0.04 ~ 0.110 % |
| Titanium as (TiO2) | 46 ~ 57 % |
| Phosphorus as (P2O5) | 0.012 ~ 0.050 % |
| Lead (as Pb) | 10 ~ 120 ppm |
| Manganese (as MnO) | 0.37 ~ 0.99 % |
| Zircon (as ZrO2) | 0 ~ 0.006 |
| Chloride Content | 10 ~ 400 ppm |
| Soluble salts | Less than 500 ppm |
| Ph of aqueous medium | 6.93 |
| Gypsum content | Nil |
| Moisture content | Less than 0.50 % |
| Carbonate Content | Traces |
| Loss on ignition | Nil |
| Metal content (Specifically free iron, free copper | Traces |
