Titanium, Ti, is a transition metal with a silver color and
atomic number of 22. It was discovered in Cornwall, Great Britain, by William
Gregor in 1791. The metal has low density, but high strength and is highly
resistant to corrosion in sea water and chlorine. It is also paramagnetic and
has low electrical and thermal conductivity. It is widely distributed in the
Earth’s crust and is found in most living things such as rocks, water, and
soil. The most common compound is titanium dioxide, which is used in the
manufacturing of white pigments. Other notable compounds include titanium
tetrachloride, which is a component of smoke screens and catalysts, and
titanium trichloride, which is used as a catalyst in the production of
polypropylene. It can also be alloyed with iron, aluminum, vanadium, and
molybdenum, and various other elements to produce strong, lightweight alloys
for jet engines, missiles, spacecraft, military, medical prostheses, orthopedic
implants, dental instruments, sporting goods, jewelry, and many other products.
Since it is non-toxic even in large doses, titanium can be used without too
much threat. However, as a powder or in the form of metal shavings, it can be a
significant fire hazard and when heated, an explosion hazard.
Below is a map of titanium production worldwide
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