Metal detectors can not only detect a variety of metals at various depths depending on the size of the object, but some can even detect the differences between various metals. This differentiation is done by measuring the deflection of the magnetic field generated by the metal detector. Titanium is often used in medical implants, so patients with implants that contain titanium often have to make this known to airport security personnel in order to pass inspection.
Titanium dioxide is one of the many oxides formed naturally in our environment. Manufacturers source this mined mineral from rutile, brookite, and anatase. It is then processed and refined to meet stringent safety guidelines based on the end-use for the mineral.