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Formation and Properties

Ilmenite is a widespread titanium-iron oxide mineral with the chemical formula FeTiO3. It forms as a natural material from magmatic or hydrothermal processes. When lava or magma cools slowly, it will crystallizes and solidifies. Contact metamorphism of suitable rocks under mountain building processes can also result in new formation.

It has a hexagonal crystal structure and usually forms black to steel-gray crystals. However, it can also appear in massive forms without distinct crystal shapes. It has a Mohs hardness of 5.5-6.5 and specific gravity in the range of 4.7-5. Its luster is typically submetallic. It is quite common in igneous and metamorphic rocks worldwide. Some of the notable ilmenite deposits are found in Australia, South Africa, Canada, Ukraine and India.