titanium dioxide, also called titania, (TiO₂), a white, opaque, naturally occurring mineral existing in a number of crystalline forms, the most important of which are rutile and anatase.  These naturally occurring oxide forms can be mined and serve as a source for commercial titanium.  Titanium dioxide is odourless and absorbent.  Its most important function in powder form is as a widely used pigment for lending whiteness and opacity.Titanium dioxide has been used as a bleaching and opacifying agent in porcelain enamels, giving them brightness, hardness, and acid resistance.  In modern times it is used in cosmetics, such as in skin care products and sunscreen lotions, with claims that titanium dioxide protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation because of its property to absorb ultraviolet light.The photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide results in thin coatings exhibiting self-cleaning and disinfecting properties under exposure to ultraviolet radiation.  Alloys are characterized by being lightweight and having very high tensile strength (even at high temperatures), high corrosion resistance, and an ability to withstand extreme temperatures and thus are used principally in aircraft, pipes for power plants, armour plating, naval ships, spacecraft, and missiles.