Who Discovered Titanium
Titanium, which has the chemical symbol Ti, is often called a ‘space age’ metal. But who discovered titanium? This post will answer that question then tell you some interesting facts about titanium.
Who discovered titanium?
Unlike many other metals, titanium was not discovered by a noted scientist. In 1791, amateur geologist and pastor William Gregor, who at the time was vicar of a parish, discovered titanium in a new mineral. William Gregor analyzed this mineral and determined that iron oxide was present with some other metal oxide. Eventually, this new metal was named titanium. The metal is named after the Titans of Greek mythology.
Interesting facts about titanium
- Even in large doses, titanium is not toxic to animals or humans. 0.8 mg of titanium is ingested every day by humans and it passes through the body without being absorbed.
- Titanium is known as a space age metal as it is used in spacecraft and many modern inventions.
- There are five naturally occurring isotopes of titanium.
- Titanium is relatively hard. It is not a good conductor of heat or electricity.
- Titanium is the seventh most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust.
- Titanium is found in meteorites, the Sun and M-type stars.
- Moon rocks contain fairly high amounts of titanium oxide.
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