Here's why:

* Metals are elements that are typically shiny, malleable, ductile, and good conductors of heat and electricity.

* Minerals are naturally occurring solid substances with a defined chemical composition and a specific crystal structure.

Titanium fits the description of a metal. It's a naturally occurring element (found in the Earth's crust) and exhibits all the characteristics of a metal.

While titanium is often found in mineral form (like ilmenite or rutile), it's the element itself that is considered a metal.