Ilmenite

Fear has a strange ability to paralyze us. It can make the strong weak, the great powerless, and the capable helpless. It cripples our ability to think clearly and move freely. As we become too anxious all the time, we start to feel overwhelmed and even depressed. It can stop us from being happy and take away our peace of mind.

Like many people nowadays, I also suffer bouts of stress and anxiety which could sometimes quickly lead to overwhelm and burnout. Thankfully, I came across ilmenite, which has many interesting healing and metaphysical properties.

When I first heard about ilmenite, I wasn’t sure what to expect since I only knew it as a major titanium ore.

However, I was intrigued by its inky colors and submetallic luster so I bought it. Upon receiving it and holding it for the first time, I knew that I had something special in my hands and I was right. Never had I seen such a modest-looking stone with such incredible powers.

For those of you who are interested to know more about ilmenite ore crystal and its healing benefits, this post is for you.

Ilmenite is an iron titanium oxide mineral. Found in heavy mineral sands and as an accessory mineral in igneous rocks or sedimentary rocks, ilmenite is considered to be the primary ore of titanium. Its chemical formula is FeTiO3 and its crystal structure is reminiscent of a corundum’s.

Interestingly, ilmenite has also been found on the Moon, particularly on the lunar rocks brought back by astronauts during space missions.

Named after the Ilmensky Mountains in Russia, it’s a very common black mineral that also sometimes appears dark brown to gray, with black streaks. Because of this, ilmenite gets confused with hematite and magnetite.

However, you can differentiate hematite and ilmenite easily. Hematite has red streaks on black, while ilmenite has black streaks on gray or brown. On the other hand, you can tell magnetite apart from ilmenite by testing its magnetism. If it’s strongly magnetic, it’s most likely magnetite. Although occasionally exhibiting magnetism, ilmenite has a weak attraction toward magnets. ilmenite is a very common

Ilmenite ores are mined extensively for industrial uses, including titanium dioxide for pigments, titanium alloys, and synthetic rutile.

In crystal healing, ilmenite has seen many uses as well, which you will learn about in a moment. The problem is that while ilmenite can be found all over the world, ilmenite forms as an accessory mineral in other rocks and occurs in heavy mineral placer deposits, which means finding large specimens is rare enough. Ilmenite sand is relatively more common than rocks, so you might have to dig deeper (no pun intended) in your search to get even a coin-sized rock.

When buying ilmenite, you’re more likely to find dealers selling them in powder or sand form.

For crystal rituals, you will need to get it in rough, cabochon, or polished form. Naturally, since polished ilmenite is uncommon, finding them in jewelry or as a decorative piece is an even rarer occurrence.

However, you can get them from reputable dealers of rock and crystal specimens, like sellers on Etsy.

Ilmenite Physical Benefits

Ilmenite may only have a few physical benefits, but it still packs a punch when providing healing, energy, and strength.

• Energy

  Ilmenite energizes the body as well as its stabilizes its energy centers, a.k.a., our chakra points. It may help boost energy whenever you feel sluggish and refresh the mind to help you think clearly.

• Skeletal System

  This crystal boosts strength in all levels, including your physical body. It promotes bone health and strengthens the teeth.

• Muscles

  Likewise, ilmenite can help strengthen the muscles.

• Electronic Smog

  Thanks to its magnetic properties, ilmenite can shield you against radiation and harmful energy. It’s helpful against EMF exposure.

Ilmenite Emotional Benefits

One of the best benefits of ilmenite is its gentle and guiding energy that pushes us to deal with our fears and focus on inner growth. Here’s how ilmenite helps us with different aspects of our life:

• Fear

  Ilmenite is an empowering stone that pushes us to face our fears and find our inner strength. While it won’t reassure us that everything will come easily and nothing can go wrong, ilmenite instead makes us see that moving forward despite the uncertainties and fears is the only way to live life.

• Bravery

  Pushing us to act with grit, decisiveness, and determination, ilmenite cheers us on to move forward and chase our dreams.

• Empowerment

  Likewise, ilmenite brings out the hidden strength in our character, especially in the hardest of times. It helps us let go of the victim mentality, encouraging us instead to take control of our lives, stand up for ourselves, and set personal boundaries with others.

• Self-Confidence

  If you have fear of taking control of situations or putting the spotlight on you, ilmenite will give you confidence and courage.

• Inner Peace

  This stone brings calm to any situation and eases the tension in our minds.

• Calming

  It also helps us find an oasis of calm within, especially if we are having to deal with difficult situations.

• Mental Clarity

  Ilmenite is useful for helping us understand our emotions and avoid making rash decisions. Ilmenite helps us think logically so we may arrive at a satisfactory solution.

• Comfort

  Ilmenite also promotes mental and emotional reprieve. It brings relief to sadness and depression. It also unclogs emotional blockages.

• Transition

  If you are prone to negative inner monologues, ilmenite can help transmute those dark and toxic thoughts into something positive.

• Focus

  Ilmenite may help dispel distractions and banish negative thoughts.

Ilmenite Metaphysical Properties

Ilmenite is also known for its metaphysical properties and spiritual benefits, particularly in the following:

• Protection

  Ilmenite casts an energetic shield to defend you against evil entities, negative energy, and harmful vibrations. It protects your aura and energizes it while also absorbing negative energy.

• Good Fortune

  If you are going to do a public performance, job interview, or client negotiation, bring an ilmenite for extra luck. It may help turn no-win situations in your favor. More importantly, it creates a positive mindset to help you grab opportunities with confidence.

• Manifestation

  While ilmenite isn’t exactly a manifestation stone, it can still do a great job of helping you manifest your desires by helping you deal with fear and boosting your motivation.

• Balance

  Ilmenite helps balance the subtle bodies and the chakra, boosting your overall well-being.

• Chakra Alignment

  Ilmenite helps energize and balance the chakra.

• Intuition

  Ilmenite is a powerful stone that can help awaken inner insight.

• Insight

  It helps dispel illusions and sift through lies, especially ones that you’ve held on to for so long without realizing it.

• Grounding

  Like most black stones, ilmenite can be used for grounding and energetic healing. Use it if you feel out of focus, stressed out, or bogged down by negativity.

• Spirits

  Ilmenite has another useful ability: it dispels “entities” or spirits that may have attached themselves to you, your loved ones, or your living space, particularly ghosts of ancestors or dead relatives.

• Spiritual Awakening

  Ilmenite helps with spiritual expansion and enlightenment. It opens your mind to the spiritual realm and establishes a connection with your higher self.

• Spiritual Development

  Ilmenite promotes spiritual growth, helping you learn more about yourself. It also helps you understand the physical and spiritual world better.

• Astral Travel

  If you’ve been interested in astral journeying, meditate with ilmenite or place it on your bedside. As it’s also a protection stone, ilmenite can also shield you against evil entities while your soul travels.

Ilmenite is a fantastic stone for meditation. Not only does it help center your energies to make you more focused and calm, but it also has other useful metaphysical properties. It can be used for astral travel, intuition awakening, and chakra balancing.

I recommend having ilmenite in your crystal grid.

When using ilmenite for meditation, speak your intentions beforehand. Then, take deep breaths and close your eyes. Imagine a bright, white light gushing forth from the stone and enveloping your body whole.

Thank the crystal and keep it in a safe place after each meditation.

Ilmenite Chakras

Ilmenite can balance all chakras, however, I find that it strongly resonates with these three:

• Third-Eye Chakra

  Called the seat of our intuition, the Third Eye Chakra is located between our eyebrows. When this chakra is activated, we are able to see the big picture and have access to our inner wisdom.

• Soma Chakra

  While Soma Chakra is a minor chakra, its role in our spirituality can’t be understated. Soma Chakra connects us to the higher realms, particularly to our spirit guides, and also allows us to connect with our true selves. When this chakra is opened, we align our lives with the divine purpose and create our desired reality.

• Heart Chakra

  Located in the chest, the Heart Chakra is the center of our ability to give love and receive it in turn. When this chakra is activated, we are more compassionate, kind, and understanding not only to others but to ourselves as well.

To fully enjoy the benefits of crystal healing and the powers of ilmenite, it’s best to combine it with other stones. Here are my top recommendations:

1. 

   Magnetite

   Ilmenite works well with related stones like magnetite. In crystal healing, magnetite is known to promote bravery and help one deal with fear. Combined with ilmenite, this crystal can help you act more decisively and confidently.

2. 

   Steatite

   Steatite is one of the best stones to pair with ilmenite because it has many metaphysical properties. From grounding one’s energies to promoting intuition, steatite can do wonders.

3. 

   Blue Aventurine

   The lovely blue aventurine crystal is your best bet if you’re doing spiritual work, like astral travel. Blue Aventurine also shares similar properties and benefits with ilmenite, particularly in helping you overcome fear.

4. 

   Rhodizite

   High-vibration rhodizite and grounding ilmenite may be a bit of a surprise pairing, but they work well together nonetheless. Rhodizite can magnify ilmenite’s powers, especially when it comes to the realm of spirituality and metaphysical work.

5. 

   Goethite

   Last but not least, goethite is one of my go-to stones when it comes to promoting self-awareness and improvement. It works great with ilmenite’s fear management capabilities to help you become the best version of yourself.

With a Mohs hardness level of 5.5 to 6, ilmenite is a moderately hard stone. It can withstand most cleansing and charging methods like the ones I will include below, however, take note that it’s not as hard as quartz crystals. As such, avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners.

I recommend using the following methods:

• Sun

  While the sun can charge your stones very quickly, you will want to remove the stone from the sun after an hour or two as the sun could discolor your crystals (even those that are sun-safe). You can set your stone outside or on a windowsill to absorb the powerful energy from the heavens. The time you need to charge your crystals will vary, but they can often be ready in just a few minutes.

• Full Moon

  Cleansing your stones with the full moon is an excellent way to remove negativity. At twilight, place your crystals on a windowsill or a place where they will be able to absorb the light of the moon (and its vibrations). Remove the stone the following morning before the sun gets too high into the sky. You can also place several stones on a grid to charge with a specific intention.

• Running Water

  Holding a stone in running water for about a minute each can both cleanse and charge many hard stones. Access to a natural spring is always best, but faucets also work as long as the stone can be completely submerged. You can also place them in a fountain to allow the water to run over the stones. Dry with a soft cloth when you remove the stone from the water.

• Visualization

  Visualization is a safe and powerful way of charging any of your crystals. Take time to center your energy and ground yourself, then pick up the sone in your hands. Focus on filling your hands with a radiant light through visualization for a minute or two. Focus on removing the negativity from the stone, allowing it to be cleansed and recharged with purpose. You should be able to feel the energy within the stone shift into positivity.

• Smudging

  Smudging your stones will immediately remove negative energies, so it is important to open a window for them to leave if you are cleansing your crystals indoors. Simply light either used bundled or loose sage with a match then blow out the flame to produce smoke. Wave the stone through the smoke for 30 to 60 seconds to clear bad vibrations. Ensure you use a fire-safe bowl or plate for safety.

• Breath

  Some crystals can be cleansed with your breath. All you need to do is hold the stone in your hand (the dominant hand is best), close your eyes and focus on your intention to clean the stone. Take a deep breath and fill your air with the intention. Blow out the air in short spurts over the crystal to remove any negative energy. You will typically need to do this for 30-60 seconds per stone.

• Crystal Charger

  There are many tools that can help charge your crystals. Whether you use a pyramid, large selenite plates or bowls, or grids, you can enhance the powers of your stones as you charge them. As with other methods, you should set an intention when placing your stones on a crystal charger.

• Ground

  Returning your crystals to the earth can refill them with energy, renewing them. Dig a hole in the earth and place a plate in the soil. Cover the plate slightly, then place the stones on top. Bury the stones and mark the place on the surface where you know where to dig. A week later, carefully remove the topsoil and remove the stones. If you reach the plate, you know you have gone too far and you may have dug up the stone.

• Brown Rice

  You can place any crystal in brown rice for 24 hours to remove negative energy safely. All you need is a bowl or jar of brown rice that you can bury your stones in to completely cover them. After removing the stones from the brown rice, you can use a soft brush to remove dust. Dispose of the rice as it will have absorbed the negativity from the crystals.

Please take note though that avoid exposing it to the sun or submerging it underwater for long periods of time. For sunlight, a few hours will do. On the other hand, when using water, do not leave it there to soak. Instead, place it under running water, preferably from a natural source like a stream or river. But if you don’t have access to these, tap water will do.

Conclusion

Ilmenite may be low-key when it comes to popularity in the crystal healing world, but nonetheless, it’s one of my favorite stones for grounding and facing fears. Throughout my usage of this wonderful crystal, it has helped me understand that we shouldn’t be afraid of making mistakes and encountering failures. They are, after all, part of our life’s journey.