Titanium

Titanium, chemical element, symbol Ti; for physical constants see Periodic Table. Titanium was discovered by William Gregor in 1791 (named after the Titans). It occurs in the minerals rutile, ilmenite, and sphene. Titanium is the ninth most abundant element in the earth's crust. It is prepared by reducing titanium tetrachloride with magnesium. Titanium is a white, lustrous, strong, corrosion-resistant metal. It is the only element that burns in nitrogen. It is as strong as steel, but 45% lighter. Titanium and its compounds are used in heat-resistant alloys, paint pigments, and chemical smoke screens.