Commodity 1Ilmenite Sand
For Industrial and Commercial Uses
Ilmenite is a black titanium oxide mineral with the chemical formula FeTiO₃. It is a weakly magnetic mineral found in igneous and sedimentary rocks, and is the most crucial ore of titanium, a metal used in many industrial applications.
Ilmenite is commonly found in beach sands and deposits concentrated by gravity, and in plains like the Bushveld Complex in South Africa, one of the world's largest ilmenite deposits.
Why Buy Ilmenite From Commodity 1
A total of 4,660 million metric tons of ilmenite was exported in 2022. According to Transparency Market Research, the global ilmenite market is expected to grow from USD 3,337.51 million in 2022 to USD 3,452.45 million in 2028 — driven by growing demand for titanium dioxide and alloys.
We have direct access to ilmenite sand and competitive prices. Ilmenite deposits are available abundantly in several states of Nigeria, and Commodity 1 provides these products directly from the mines to the global market, with no middlemen involved. Nigeria's total ilmenite reserve is estimated at between 200 and 240 million tons, making it one of the largest ilmenite producers in the world.
Although Australia is the world's largest exporter of ilmenite, Nigeria has the second-best quality of ilmenite sand, with an average TiO2 (titanium) content of 45% by weight.
| Source | Fe (wt.%) | Ti (wt.%) | O (wt.%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 23.5 | 47.5 | 29 |
| Nigeria | 25 | 45 | 30 |
| South Africa | 29.5 | 43.5 | 27 |
Commodity 1 has a team of experienced in-house professionals who strive to organize smooth and transparent transactions. We believe in building long-term relationships with our customers.
Packaging & Delivery
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Dried, bulk, powder, sand |
| Port | Lagos Apapa Port, Nigeria |
| Bags | 50 kg |
| Container | 20 ft |
| Quantity | 25–1,000 MT per month |
| Lead time | 30 days |
Composition Analysis
| Element | % by Weight |
|---|---|
| Iron | 47.5 |
| Titanium | 34.5 |
| Silicon | 3.5 |
| Aluminum | 2.5 |
| Manganese | 0.5 |
| Other | 1 |
| Total | 100 |
Other elements that may be present in small amounts include calcium, aluminum, silicon, and sulfur. The composition of ilmenite can vary depending on its source — ilmenite from beach sands tends to be richer in titanium than hard rock deposits.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | FeTiO₃ |
| Crystal structure | Trigonal |
| Color | Black |
| Luster | Submetallic |
| Hardness | 5.6–6 |
| Specific gravity | 4.7 |
| Density | 4.68–4.81 g/cm³ |
| Refractive index | 2.646–2.706 |
| Magnetic properties | Weakly magnetic |
The high titanium content of ilmenite makes it resistant to corrosion, so it's often used in marine applications. Ilmenite is also used to make magnetic filters that remove impurities from liquids and gases.
Uses of Ilmenite
- Paint industry — titanium dioxide from ilmenite gives paint opacity, whiteness, and lightness.
- Plastic industry — improves opacity, luminosity, strength and durability.
- Paper industry — gives opacity and whiteness, and improves strength and durability.
- Food industry — used as a white pigment and preservative, and in some sunscreens.
- Metallurgical industry — produces titanium metal and alloys used in aircraft parts, jet engines, and medical implants.
- Ceramic industry — produces ceramic tiles, porcelain, and other ceramic products.
- Glass industry — used to make cleaner, clearer glass.
- Industrial abrasives — produces abrasives like sandpaper and grinding wheels.