Identifying Titanium Minerals

1. Reduction Test in Hydrochloric Acid. A comparatively concentrated hydrochloric acid solution containing titanium will become pale violet in color when it is boiled with a few grains of metallic tin. The hydrogen liberated by the action of the acid on the tin is reducing agent and forms TiCl3 in the solution may have to be evaporated nearly to dryness in order to show it distinctly. Most titanium minerals are insoluble in hydrochloric acid and must first be thoroughly fused with sodium carbonate in order to bring the titanium into soluble form. The fusion is best done by introducing the finely powdered mineral into a sodium carbonate bead made on a platinum wire. Several such beads should be used.
2. Test with Hydrogen Peroxide. Fuse the mineral with sodium carbonate; dissolve in equal amounts of concentrated sulfuric acid and water. When cold, dilute the solution and add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. The solution will become yellow to amber in color.