Mineralo-Chemical Analysis of Ilmenites from the River Valliyar and the Manavalakurichi Beach, Tamil Nadu

Characterisation of ilmenite collected from the source to the mouth of the River Valliyar shows progressive alteration with the exception of a junction. where a major tributary joins the main stream. Mineralogical and compositional comparison between alluvial ilmenites and those collected from the beach sediments of adjoining area indicates that the River Valliyar partly contributes to the enrichment of the Manavalakurichi deposit. FeO/Fe₂O₃ and Ti/(Ti+Fe) ratios along with ore microscopic and XRD studies confirm the degree of alteration in the ilmenites of the study area.