Titanium

a metallic element. The atomic weight is 48.0; the symbol, Ti. Titanium does not occur free. It was separated in 1791. It is a gray metallic powder not unlike iron in appearance. It occurs in many ores, rocks, clays, and other soils, as well as in meteorites. By means of the spectroscope we know that it exists in the sun. Titanium constitutes a considerable percentage of certain iron ores found in Canada, Sweden, and Norway. Certain ores of the Adirondack region run as high as fifty-three per cent of titanium and are in reality titanious ores containing iron. Titanium is added to iron and carbon in making steel rails, car wheels, and other steel articles requiring strength. In fact, the name titanium comes from the titans, the strong giants of the ancient mythology. Crystals of titanite, a composition of silicon, calcium, and titanium, are found in the limestones of St. Lawrence County, New York. A variety known as sphenes is cut for gems. The finest specimens come from Switzerland and the Tyrol.