Geochemical Studies of Ilmenite from Bhimunipatnam to Konada Coastal Sands, East Coast of India, North Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Titanium is an important industrial element and a key component of heavy mineral assemblages. Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) was used to analyze the chemistry of ilmenites collected from Bhimunipatnam to Konada coastal sands, Andhra Pradesh, India’s East Coast. TiO2 (total Fe) from 28.79 to 55.33 wt.% (avg. 45.67 wt.%), FeO (total Fe) from 28.79 to 55.33 wt.% (avg. 45.67 wt.%), and Si, Mg, Mn, Ca, Al, V, Cr, Cu, and Zn are all present in trace amounts in detrital ilmenite. The composition of end member of ilmenites was calculated, revealing that they are made up of ilmenite-hematite derived from magma-sourced charnockites and ilmenite-geikielite, pyrophanite-hematite derived from the khondalite suite of the Eastern Ghats Granulite Rocks. They are characterized as ferrian ilmenites and have a Ti/(Ti + Fe) ratio of 0.35-0.64 (avg. 0.47), indicating that these ilmenite grains have undergone less modification. Ilmenite has an Mn/Mg ratio ranging from 0.04 to 113.23 (avg. 9.39), indicating that it is generated from metamorphic rocks. Backscattered electron (BSE) scans demonstrate their distinct angular to rounded shape, with some maintaining evidence of intergrowth, prior deformation, and rounded shape, all are influenced by the Gosthani and Champavathi rivers. In terms of environmental protection, the ilmenites (industrial specifications) in the current research area are better suitable for the Chlorate process, which extracts TiO2 from ilmenite more efficiently than the Sulphate process.