Ilmenite is an important ore or mineral source of which metal?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to economic geology and general science. It asks you to identify which metal is obtained from the ore or mineral ilmenite. Such questions are common in exams because they connect specific minerals to important industrial metals and their uses.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The mineral in question is ilmenite.
• Options list titanium, copper, lead, and manganese as possible metals.
• Basic knowledge of common ores and their associated metals is assumed.

Concept / Approach:
Ilmenite is a black, iron titanium oxide mineral and is one of the main sources of titanium. Titanium extracted from ilmenite and related minerals is used to produce strong, corrosion resistant, and lightweight alloys. These alloys are important in aerospace, medical implants, sports equipment, and many high performance applications. Copper is obtained from ores such as chalcopyrite and malachite, not from ilmenite. Lead comes from galena, and manganese from ores such as pyrolusite. Recognising these ore metal pairs helps you answer many geology and geography questions about natural resources.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Geology and economic geography references list important ores and minerals for each metal. Under titanium, they typically mention ilmenite and rutile as the major sources. The chemical formula of ilmenite is often given as FeTiO3, confirming that titanium is a main component. Copper, lead, and manganese appear in separate sections with their own specific ores. These references support the statement that ilmenite is an ore of titanium.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Copper, used in electrical wiring, is incorrect because common copper ores include chalcopyrite and malachite, not ilmenite.

Lead, used in some batteries and shielding, is wrong because galena is the chief ore of lead, not ilmenite.

Manganese, used in steel making, is incorrect because manganese ores such as pyrolusite and psilomelane are separate from ilmenite and do not contain titanium.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse the names of ores due to their unfamiliar spellings, or they try to match metals and minerals by guesswork. Another pitfall is to think that any dark coloured ore might contain iron alone. However, ilmenite specifically contains titanium and is widely recognised as a titanium ore. Memorising a small list of common ore metal pairs, such as ilmenite titanium and bauxite aluminium, helps avoid this confusion in exams.

Final Answer:
Ilmenite is an important ore of Titanium, used in strong and light alloys.