Mineral - Ilmenite
Ilmenite
Chemical Properties
Mineral Class
Oxides and Hydrxides
Toxicity
none
Formula
Fe²⁺TiO₃
Unit Cell
a=5.09 c=14.09 Z=6
Physical Properties
Hardness
5 - 6
Streak
black
Density
Heavy (3,5-6)
Cleavage
Fracture
conchoidal
Tenacity
Brittle
Optical Properties
Color
black
Birefringence
Luster
Metallic
Transparency
Pleochroism
Geomineralogical Properties
Crystal System
trigonal
Point Group
rhombohedral - 3
Space Group
R 3 (148)
Habit
massive, tabular
Formation
(1) Magmatic, through fractional crystallization and gravitational separation as an accessory or cumulate in mafic to ultramafic intrusions (e.g., gabbro, anorthosite). (2) Metamorphic, through the transformation of titanium-bearing minerals under amphibolite to eclogite facies conditions. (3) Sedimentary, through mechanical enrichment as a chemically and physically resistant heavy mineral in placer deposits.
Paragenesis
Twinning
Rarity
Rather rare
Synonyms
Ilmenite
Composition
Elements
Mass
SiO₂
0.02
TiO₂
52.61
Al₂O₃
0.06
Fe₂O₃
2.22
V₂O₃
0.13
Cr₂O₃
0.01
FeO
42.77
MnO
0.46
MgO
2.30
New York (Palache et al. 1952)
Groups and Members
Ilmenite-Group