ilmenite
A gray or black, weakly magnetic mineral found in basic igneous
rocks, notably basalt, and metamorphic
rocks. Ilmenite is nearly pure iron (II) titanium
(IV) oxide (FeTiO3); it occurs as tabular to fine, scaly crystals
in the rhombohedral system, and as compact masses or granules. It has a
metallic luster; hardness 5–6, relative density 4.7. About 90% of
the world's annual production of titanium comes from it, major deposits
being in Russia, Norway, Quebec, and Wyoming. The discovery of ilmenite
on the Moon has opened up the possibility of
mining this mineral to supply both building material and oxygen to a lunar
base.
Related category
• GEOLOGY
AND PLANETARY SCIENCE
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