* Ilmenite (FeTiO₃): While it contains iron, ilmenite is primarily mined for its titanium content. Titanium is a valuable metal used in various industries like aerospace, pigments, and welding.
* Rutile (TiO₂): Rutile is also primarily mined for its titanium content. It has no significant iron content to be considered an iron ore.
Iron Ores:
Iron ores are minerals that are extracted and processed to produce iron. The most common iron ores include:
* Hematite (Fe₂O₃): The most abundant iron ore.
* Magnetite (Fe₃O₄): A magnetic iron ore.
* Goethite (FeO(OH)): A hydrated iron oxide.
* Siderite (FeCO₃): An iron carbonate.
While ilmenite and rutile contain iron, their primary value lies in their titanium content, making them titanium ores, not iron ores.
