Why don't we have a look at the actual properties of Titanium? Maybe we can conclude if this element is close to Tolkien's descriptions of Mithril?
Mithril:[*]Has a silvery lustre when polished[*]Does not tarnish[*]Strong and sturdy (as steel)[*]Lightweight[*]Could be bent into different forms (e.g chain mail)
Properties of Titanium (47.867 amu)
Pure titanium is a lustrous white metal with low density, high strength, and high corrosion resistance. It is resistant to dilute sulfuric and hydrochloric acids, moist chlorine gas, most organic acids, and chloride solutions. Titanium is only ductile when it is free of oxygen.
Titanium is as strong as steel, but it is 45% lighter. The metal is 60% heavier than aluminum, but it is twice as strong. Titanium metal is considered to be physiologically inert. Pure titanium dioxide is reasonably clear, with an extremely high index of refraction and an optical dispersion hgher than that of diamond.
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Pure titanium is a lustrous white metal...
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Mithril:- Has a silvery lustre when polished
Mithril:- Could be bent into different forms (not too sure if low density enables flexibility in metals)
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...and high corrosion resistance.
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Mithril:- Does not tarnsih
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high strength...Titanium is as strong as steel...The metal is 60% heavier than aluminum, but it is twice as strong...
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Mithril:- Strong and sturdy (as steel)
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Titanium is as strong as steel, but it is 45% lighter...47.867 amu (very light)
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Mithril:- Lightweight
I am thinking this metal is closest to Tolkein's descriptions of Mithril...other metals such as Silver and Platinum do not come as close...
Properties of Silver (107.8682 amu):
Pure silver has a brilliant white metallic luster. Silver is slightly harder than gold. It is very ductile and malleable, exceeded in these properties by gold and palladium. Pure silver has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of all metals. Silver possesses the lowest contact resistance of all metals. Silver is stable in pure air and water, although it tarnishes upon exposure to ozone, hydrogen sulfide, or air containing sulfur.
Properties of Platinum (195.078 amu):
The metal is a beautiful silvery-white when pure, and malleable and ductile. The metal is corrosion-resistant. The catalytic properties of the six platinum family metals are outstanding (hydrogen and oxygen explode in the presence of platinum). Platinum's wear- and tarnish-resistance characteristics are well suited for making fine jewelry.
Other distinctive properties include resistance to chemical attack, excellent high-temperature characteristics, and stable electrical properties. All these properties have been exploited for industrial applications. Platinum does not oxidize in air at any temperature but can be corroded by cyanides, halogens, sulfur, and caustic alkalis.
Platinum comes close. However, it is not lightwieght (195.078 amu as opposed to Titanium's 47.867 amu) and strong? Platinum is more likely used for coating other metals, since it has performs well at high temperatures...
Any further thoughts?
<font size=1 color=339966>[ 4:09 AM December 22, 2003: Message edited by: Iargwath ]