Ilmenite (FeTiO₃) is the iron-titanium oxide and the principal ore of titanium for paint pigments (TiO₂ “titanium white”). It forms in mafic igneous rocks (gabbros, anorthosites), as detrital placer beach sands (Australia, India), and as a kimberlite indicator mineral. Panzhihua (Sichuan) hosts massive layered ilmenite-magnetite ore.
Key Facts
- Mohs hardness 5–6.
- Trigonal; isostructural with hematite.
- Black color with weakly magnetic behavior.
- Major Ti ore for industrial pigments.
- Common kimberlite indicator alongside pyrope, forsterite, phlogopite.
Notable Localities
Panzhihua (Sichuan) hosts massive Chinese ore. Allard Lake (Quebec) and Tellnes (Norway) supply major hardrock deposits. Indian and Australian beach placers are dominant resources.
Found at these Localities
- Labrador Coast (Tabor Island, Nain) (拉布拉多海岸(拉长石产地))
- Cida (Hongge) V-Ti-Fe Deposit ((红格)钒钛铁矿)
- Panzhihua V-Ti-Magnetite Mine (攀枝花钒钛磁铁矿)
- Sichuan (四川)
- Maharashtra Deccan Traprock Zeolites (马哈拉施特拉德干玄武岩沸石产地)
