Ilmenite and rutile, abundantly available in certain coastal tracts of India, are rich sources of which one of the following?
Titanium
Understanding Ilmenite, Rutile, and Coastal Mineral Resources
This question asks about the primary metal found in two specific minerals, ilmenite and rutile, which are known to be abundant in certain coastal areas of India. Let's look at what these minerals are composed of.
What are Ilmenite and Rutile?
- Ilmenite: This is a titanium-iron oxide mineral. Its chemical formula is FeTiO\(_3\). It is a major ore of titanium.
- Rutile: This is a mineral composed primarily of titanium dioxide. Its chemical formula is TiO\(_2\). It is also a significant source of titanium.
Both ilmenite and rutile are important sources for extracting titanium metal and titanium dioxide pigment.
Minerals Abundant in India's Coastal Tracts
India's coastal regions, particularly along the southern and eastern coasts, are famous for their beach sands rich in heavy minerals. Ilmenite and rutile are among the key heavy minerals found in these deposits, often alongside monazite, zircon, garnet, and sillimanite.
Identifying the Rich Source Metal
Based on the chemical composition of ilmenite (FeTiO\(_3\)) and rutile (TiO\(_2\)), it's clear that titanium (Ti) is the common and principal metal component that is commercially extracted from both. While ilmenite also contains iron (Fe), it is primarily processed for its titanium content or used to produce a high-titanium slag.
| Mineral | Chemical Formula | Primary Metal Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ilmenite | FeTiO\(_3\) | Titanium |
| Rutile | TiO\(_2\) | Titanium |
Analyzing the Options
Let's consider the given options:
- Aluminium: The primary ore of aluminium is bauxite. Ilmenite and rutile are not sources of aluminium.
- Copper: Copper is typically found in sulphide or oxide ores like chalcopyrite or malachite. Ilmenite and rutile are not sources of copper.
- Iron: While ilmenite contains iron, it is not typically considered a primary ore for iron production on the scale of minerals like hematite or magnetite. However, it is a significant source of titanium.
- Titanium: As discussed, both ilmenite and rutile are major and well-known sources for the extraction of titanium metal and titanium dioxide. Their abundance in coastal sands makes these deposits significant resources for the titanium industry.
Therefore, ilmenite and rutile, abundant in certain coastal tracts of India, are rich sources of Titanium.
Revision Table: Key Facts on Ilmenite, Rutile, and Titanium
| Mineral/Metal | Description/Association |
|---|---|
| Ilmenite | FeTiO\(_3\), titanium-iron oxide mineral. Important titanium ore. |
| Rutile | TiO\(_2\), titanium dioxide mineral. Important titanium ore. |
| Coastal Tracts of India | Known for abundant heavy mineral sands containing ilmenite and rutile. |
| Titanium (Ti) | Metal extracted from ilmenite and rutile. Used in alloys, pigments (TiO\(_2\)). |
Additional Information on Titanium and its Uses
Titanium is a lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant metal. It has many important applications:
- Titanium metal: Used in aerospace (aircraft components), medical implants, sporting goods, and industrial equipment (chemical processing).
- Titanium dioxide (TiO\(_2\)): This is the most common form in which titanium is used. It is a brilliant white pigment used extensively in paints, coatings, plastics, papers, and cosmetics (sunscreen). It is also used as a catalyst and in some advanced materials.
The availability of ilmenite and rutile deposits in India's coastal regions is strategically important for the global supply of titanium minerals and products.
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