Mineral sands are naturally occurring concentrations of heavy minerals within sand deposits. They are typically found along ancient coastlines, beaches, and riverbeds. Common minerals include rutile, ilmenite, zircon, and sillimanite. These minerals are valued for their high density and resistance to weathering. Rutile and ilmenite are primary sources of titanium dioxide, used in pigments and coatings.Zircon is widely used in ceramics, foundry applications, and refractories. Sillimanite is prized in manufacturing heat-resistant materials. Mining and processing involve separating heavy minerals from lighter sand particles. Mineral sands have significant applications in construction, aerospace, ceramics, and paint industries.
Rutile, a mineral composed primarily of titanium dioxide (TiO2), stands as a cornerstone in various industrial applications, owing to its unique properties and abundance in nature. With its widespread occurrence, rutile serves as a crucial raw material for the production of chloride titanium dioxide pigment, essential in numerous manufacturing processes for welding electrodes.
