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TITANIUM (Ti, atomic number 22) is a lustrous,
grey metallic element used principally to make lightweight,
resistant alloys. It is one of the transitional elements of the
periodic table and has many desirable properties, most notably
its incredible strength and durability.
Titanium is half the weight of steel, so you can
wear a bigger, bolder bracelet with absolute comfort. It's also
hypoallergenic like gold and platinum are, which means it won't
irritate your skin no matter how sensitive your skin might be.
It is also super strong, much stronger than any
other metal in the world which makes for a very long lasting
product that can be worn for years to come. It's not as easily
worked with as the softer metals so a lot of painstaking labor
goes into each masterful piece. Titanium can be polished for a
shiny finish or brushed to get two magnificent tones.
Titanium is immune to corrosive attacks by saltwater and marine
atmosphere, and exhibits exceptional resistance to a broad range
of corrosive gases, acids and alkalis. Immune to
microbiologically influenced corrosion, Titanium is
physiologically inert and hypoallergenic.
Titanium is virtually non-magnetic, as well,
making it ideal for applications where electromagnetic
interference must be minimized.
Titanium exhibits a high strength to weight
ratio. Pure titanium is stronger than steel yet nearly 50%
lighter. When added to various alloys, its hardness, toughness
and tensile strength can be increased dramatically.
Titanium is always found in combination with
other substances, and occurs as an oxide in ilmenite, rutile and
sphene, and is present in titanates and in many iron ores.
Titanium is present in the ash of coal, in plants, and in the
human body. Titanium is ductile only when it is free of oxygen
and nitrogen (air), melting at 1660°C (3020°F) and boiling at
3287°C (5949°F).
The complex process of converting titanium ore into metal has
been commercially viable for a little more than 50 years. Since
the commercial introduction of titanium, its use has expanded by
an average of 8% per year and its popularity continues to grow.
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