(Last edited: Wednesday, 16 August 2023, 12:42 PM)
Short Definition:
A usually massive iron-black mineral that consists of an oxide of iron and titanium and that is a major titanium ore.
Detailed Definition:
Ilmenite is named after the Ilmenski mountains in Russia, where the mineral was first discovered. It is slightly magnetic, which means that magnets can be used to separate it from other minerals in sand deposits. Ilmenite is also a common accessory mineral in igneous rocks, sediments, and sedimentary rocks in many parts of the world. Also, it is a black iron-titanium oxide with a chemical composition of FeTiO3.
Etymology:
Named after Ilmen Mountains in Russia + -ite in 1827.
The suffix –ite is used to form nouns denoting rocks or minerals, from Latin -ītēs, and from Ancient Greek -ῑ́της.
Sample Sentences:
"Ilmenite is an economically important and interesting mineral."
"Ilmenite is the most important ore of titanium and the main source of titanium dioxide, which is used in paints, printing inks, fabrics, plastics, paper, sunscreen, food and cosmetics."
