Ilmenite identification and geology

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Sources, scope & corrections

These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.

Editorial owner

GeoMiner

Last updated

2026-03-30T14:36:57.00639+00:00

Review status

Published; not independently peer-reviewed

• IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
• Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.

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Common questions

What is Ilmenite?

Iron titanium oxide and a major ore of titanium. Named after the Ilmen Mountains in Russia.

How can you identify Ilmenite?

Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Black, steel-gray; lustre: Metallic to submetallic; streak: Black to brownish-red; Mohs hardness: 5-6; cleavage: None parting present; crystal system: Hexagonal Trigonal; transparency: Opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.

How does Ilmenite form?

Crystallizes from mafic to ultramafic magmas; also concentrates in heavy mineral beach sands.

Where is Ilmenite commonly found?

Australia, South Africa, Canada, Norway; found in gabbros, anorthosites, and beach sands.

What is Ilmenite commonly confused with?

Ilmenite may be confused with Magnetite, Hematite, Chromite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.