Alloys of titanium are principally used for aircraft and missiles where light-weight, strength, and ability to withstand extremes of temperature are important. Each SST jet plane is expected to consume 600,000 lbs. Titanium has potential use in desalination plants for converting sea water into fresh water. The metal has excellent resistance to sea water and is used for propeller shafts, rigging, and other parts of ships exposed to salt water. A titanium anode, coated with platinum has been used to provide cathodic protection from corrosion by salt water.
Titanium metal is considered to be physiologically inert.
When pure, titanium dioxide is relatively clear and has an extremely high index of refraction with an optical dispersion higher than diamond. It is produced artificially for usr as a gemstone, but it is relatively soft. Star sapphires and rubies exhibit their asterism as a result of the presence of TiO2. Titanium dioxide is extensively used for both house paint and artist's paint, as it is permanent and has good covering power. Titanium paint is an excellent reflector of infrared, and is extensively used in solar observatories where heat causes poor seeing conditions.