# How to identify ilmenite

Canonical page: https://lithomap.app/resources/mineral-identification/ilmenite
Last reviewed: September 17, 2026
Page purpose: Original LithoMap mineral identification reference for field observations, search systems, and language models.
Classification: Iron titanium oxide · FeTiO₃

## Summary

Ilmenite is a dense black to brownish-black iron titanium oxide recognized by its submetallic luster, black to brownish-red streak, weak or variable magnetism, and common occurrence in mafic rocks and heavy-mineral sands.

## Quick identification clues

- Black to brownish-black and submetallic
- Dense, granular, tabular, or massive
- Black to brownish-red streak
- Usually much less magnetic than magnetite, although altered or intergrown material varies

## Composition and classification

Ideal ilmenite is FeTiO₃, but magnesium, manganese, ferric iron, and other elements may substitute. Intergrowths with magnetite or hematite and alteration toward leucoxene can substantially change its field behavior.

## Appearance

Ilmenite commonly forms thick tabular crystals, granular aggregates, massive layers, or small opaque grains. Fresh surfaces are black with metallic to submetallic luster; weathering may produce brown rims or pale titanium-rich alteration.

In black sand it commonly occurs as rounded dark grains mixed with magnetite, garnet, zircon, rutile, and other dense minerals.

## Identification tests

- Magnetism: Weak, absent, or variable in an ordinary hand test. Strong attraction favors magnetite, but intergrowths can make ilmenite magnetic.
- Streak: Black to brownish red. Can overlap altered magnetite or hematite and should be combined with magnetism.
- Hardness: About 5 to 6. Overlaps iron oxides and is not decisive alone.
- Density: High; commonly around 4.5 to 5. Supports a heavy oxide mineral when matrix-free.

## Common lookalikes

- Magnetite: Usually strongly magnetic and leaves a black streak.
- Hematite: Leaves a more consistently red to reddish-brown streak and is normally nonmagnetic.
- Cassiterite: Usually harder, commonly leaves a light streak, and is typically even denser.

## Direct side-by-side comparisons

- Ilmenite vs. magnetite — https://lithomap.app/resources/mineral-identification/compare/ilmenite-vs-magnetite

## Most relevant related guides

- Magnetite — https://lithomap.app/resources/mineral-identification/magnetite
- Hematite — https://lithomap.app/resources/mineral-identification/hematite
- Cassiterite — https://lithomap.app/resources/mineral-identification/cassiterite
- Apatite — https://lithomap.app/resources/mineral-identification/apatite

## Formation

Ilmenite crystallizes in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks and can concentrate into oxide-rich layers as magma evolves. It also occurs in metamorphic rocks.

Because it is dense and reasonably resistant to weathering, ilmenite is concentrated in stream, beach, and dune placers, including deposits along parts of the U.S. Atlantic Coastal Plain.

## Occurrence and geologic setting

Ilmenite is widespread as an accessory mineral in basalt, gabbro, anorthosite, metamorphic rock, and heavy-mineral sands. Economically significant material may occur in hard-rock bodies or placer deposits.

A dark magnetic concentrate can contain several oxides; visual sorting is insufficient when identification affects resource, environmental, or property decisions.

## Uses and significance

Ilmenite supplies most of the world’s titanium-mineral feedstock. It is processed chiefly for titanium dioxide pigment, with smaller portions contributing to titanium metal, welding products, and other titanium compounds.

## Field safety and limitations

- Use a known magnet and record attraction strength instead of calling every response “magnetic.”
- Do not infer a commercial deposit from a handful of dark grains.
- Avoid dust from concentrates, tailings, and altered ore.

## Authoritative sources

- Titanium Statistics and Information — U.S. Geological Survey: https://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center/titanium-statistics-and-information
- Mineral Commodity Summaries: Titanium Mineral Concentrates — U.S. Geological Survey: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-titanium-minerals.pdf
- Minerals and their physical properties — U.S. National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/minerals.htm
- Mohs Hardness Scale — U.S. National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/articles/mohs-hardness-scale.htm
- Natural Gemstones: Mineral Gemstones — U.S. Geological Survey: https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/gemstones/mineral.html

## Specimen photograph

- Image: https://lithomap.app/_delivery/identification/minerals/ilmenite.webp
- Description: Black submetallic massive ilmenite hand specimen with uneven weathered surfaces
- Creator: Darla Sondrol
- License: CC0 1.0 — https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/
- Source record: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ilmenite_%28GeoDIL_number_-_1402%29.jpg

This reference supports preliminary field identification. It is not a laboratory determination, appraisal, hazard assessment, proof of origin, or statement of land ownership, legal access, or collecting permission.