Properties and Characteristics of Titanium dioxide
Rutile is a naturally occurring oxide mineral composed of titanium dioxide (TiO2). It is chemically inert and highly stable when exposed to heat, acids and weathering. Titanium dioxide crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system and is hard - measuring 6 on the Mohs hardness scale. This gives it a metallic luster and its color ranges from gray to black with tints of yellow and red. Reddish brown is the most common color for titanium dioxide. It has a high refractive index of 2.9 and specific gravity of 4.2.
Occurrence and Formation
Titanium dioxide is one of the most common minerals found in igneous and metamorphic rocks across the world. It forms when igneous and metamorphic rocks cool and crystallize from high temperature conditions. It is a natural accessory mineral present in igneous rocks like granite and gabbros. Titanium dioxide also occurs in metamorphic rocks such as quartzite, marble, schist and gneiss that are formed from pre-existing sandstones and limestones under heat and pressure. Hydrothermal deposits are another source of titanium dioxide formation where hot fluids carry titanium-rich solutions and precipitate into vein deposits. Beach sands containing titanium dioxide form an important natural reserve of this mineral.
Commercial Significance
Rutile is a commercially important ore of titanium. It accounts for approximately 95% of the world's natural pigment production as well as a major source for production of titanium metal. Finely ground titanium dioxide provides a brilliant white pigment used in paints, paper, plastics, laminates, food supplements and many other applications. Titanium dioxide pigment has excellent hiding power, brightness and opacity. Titanium dioxide is also used to produce titanium sponge - a key intermediate material used in manufacturing titanium metal and its alloys. Titanium metals find wide applications from aerospace and military hardware to medical implants due to excellent corrosion resistance and high strength-to-weight ratio.
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