Titanium metal
Titanium is a hard silvery-white metallic element found in the minerals ilmenite, leucoxene, and rutile. These minerals are produced in the United States from heavy mineral sands in ancient beach deposits in Florida and Virginia. Australia, Canada, Norway, and South Africa are major producers of these titanium-rich minerals. Titanium dioxide pigment and metal are produced by using several different processes. Titanium dioxide is a bright white opaque pigment, and titanium metal is strong yet lightweight.
The United States produces titanium dioxide pigment in seven States and is a major world supplier. Titanium dioxide pigment is used in paint, paper, and plastics. The United States imports more that 50% of the titanium metal it uses; Japan, Kazakhstan, and Russia are the major suppliers. When titanium metal is extracted from titanium-rich minerals, it looks porous like a sponge (see picture, above); titanium sponge is produced in Nevada and Utah. About 65% of the titanium metal is used in aerospace applications; the remaining 35% is used in medical, sporting goods, and other applications
Important Uses
Titanium Minerals
- Titanium dioxide pigment
- Welding rod coatings
Titanium Dioxide Pigments
- Paints and coatings
- Paper
- Plastics
Titanium Metal
- Aerospace
- Armor
- Chemical process equipment
- Consumer goods
- Electronics
Examples
U.S. Locations for Titanium in 1997
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