12 Best Places to Find Titanium Metal Detecting 

Ever wondered where to unearth the titanium treasure? Step into the fascinating world of metal detecting as we reveal the best spots!

Best Places to Find Titanium Metal Detecting

Are you a professional metal detectorist? or are you a newbie? Doesn’t matter which category you fall into; every metal-detecting enthusiast’s dream is to find a piece of titanium hidden underground. 

Titanium is the hardest metal to find in treasure hunting, even more than gold. 

I’ve pursued this hobby for over a decade, and I’ve only found a handful of titanium items from various locations worldwide. 

Can you imagine the sense of satisfaction I experienced upon discovering the titanium locations? Allow me to share them with you,

The best places to find titanium by metal detecting are,

  1. Oregon
  2. Michigan
  3. Arkansas
  4. Virginia 
  5. North Carolina 
  6. South Carolina 
  7. Nevada 
  8. California 
  9. Colorado
  10. South Dakota
  11. Idaho
  12. Utah

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

So in the rest of the article, I’ll explore each of these places and share information on where exactly to find titanium in each state. 

Titanium is present in nature as nodules, sometimes entangled with other minerals.

As it is a very expensive element, it is hard to find items made of pure titanium lying around or buried underground.

And if you are not someone from the United States of America, don’t be afraid I got you covered too. 

Over time I have developed a good connection with the international community of metal enthusiasts, which helped me in gaining knowledge about various sites worldwide where you can find titanium by metal detecting. 

So hang around till the very end, and receive your amazing price.

By price, I meant the surprise I’ve got for you!

Did you know fact about Titanium Metal detecting
Did you know fact about Titanium Metal detecting

Best Places to Find Titanium by Metal Detecting in the United States

1. Oregon 

I have not been to the state of Oregon much before. But the idea of there was titanium hidden underground in Oregon gave me restless nights, and I was determined to go there. 

I planned a week-long trip with my family to visit Oregon. And I packed my favorite thing with me too, my sweet metal detector. 

Note that not every detector has the ability to find titanium since Titanium falls under metals that cannot be detected by metal detectors.

You may have to use advanced metal detectors or some alternative methods to detect Titanium treasures.

The whole of Oregon state doesn’t have titanium hidden underground. but certain counties have abundant titanium deposits. 

Titanium metal detecting in Oregon
Titanium metal detecting in Oregon

Here are some of those titanium abundant counties in Oregon, 

Jackson County

Jackson County is known for its heavy mineral deposits among the locals.

Among those heavy minerals and deposits abundant titanium reserves also could be found. 

Most of these deposits are present in the river flowing through the county.

I don’t want you to risk your equipment if it isn’t waterproof. Because there are a lot of other locations in the state of Oregon to find titanium. 

I know it can be super hard to travel with your metal detector. Don’t worry! There’re some alternative methods to detect your titanium finds.

Read my ultimate guide to know the best methods to detect titanium without a metal detector!

Titanium metal detecting area in Rogue river Jackson County
Titanium metal detecting area in Rogue river Jackson County

Coos County 

This coastal-margined county has a lot of deposits and reported reserves of titanium. If you like to spend some time on the beach like I do, this is the perfect opportunity for you. 

Apart from the titanium-abundant coastal shores, Coos County has another hot spot for someone who wants to find titanium by metal detecting. 

It is the Titus Ridge Mine. This mine is known for its ilmenite and rutile production in its days. 

So, there’s a good chance to find some valuable pieces of titanium if you hover and wander around in this area. 

Titanium metal detecting area in Cannon beach Coos County
Titanium metal detecting area in Cannon beach Coos County

Douglas County 

Douglas County is also known for its mineral deposits including titanium. 

I was lucky enough to find some of the more valuable titanium metals buried underground during my visit to Douglas County.

Titanium metal detecting area in Toketee Falls Douglas County
Titanium metal detecting area in Toketee Falls Douglas County

Josephine County 

In Josephine County, there are abundant titanium metal reserves buried underground with other mineral deposits.  

I was hanging around long enough to find out some pieces of titanium which made my day. 

Curry county 

Like the other mentioned counties Curry County has also got its fair share of titanium reserves. These might be hidden or mixed with other minerals. 

So practicing patience is a must if you are intending to find titanium from underground.

Apart from these mentioned counties, other notable counties in the state of Oregon that had titanium reserves are Lane County, Deschutes County, Lake County, Crook County, Grant County, Clackamas County, and Columbia County. 

Mostly in these sites, titanium is mixed and combined with other minerals in the sand or the underground. 

So, what I did to find titanium specifically was, I tried on new settings and heightened senses in the metal detector I was using. 

By varying the settings, I was more successful in finding the titanium separated from other minerals. 

2. Michigan 

Michigan is another state where you can find abundant titanium reserves underground.

For different generations, people have been trying to extract all these resources but there are plenty of titanium reserves to be discovered. 

Titanium metal detecting in Michigan
Titanium metal detecting in Michigan

Let’s see some of the counties within the state of Michigan where I was lucky to find some titanium,

Menominee County 

I have to tell you there are serious amounts of titanium in this part of Michigan.

If you are living near or visiting Michigan anytime soon, I recommend you to go visit Menominee County too. 

Because it will be a nice experience for any of the metal enthusiasts out there the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment I received while detecting the areas of Menominee County is so surreal. 

You are bound to find some pieces of titanium if you visit here. That is due to the natural presence of rutile and ilmenite within iron and copper reserves. 

Titanium metal detecting area near lake Michigan in Menominee County
Titanium metal detecting area near lake Michigan in Menominee County

Gogebic County 

Even though the locals and authorities have claimed there are titanium reserves in Gogrbic County, I wasn’t able to find any during my trip to Gogebic County. 

But don’t get me wrong that doesn’t mean there aren’t any reserves of titanium in here. 

I think it just wasn’t my day, but I would like it if someone from the state of Michigan would conduct a thorough detection and clear the air for all of the metal-detecting community. 

Titanium metal detecting area in Gogebic County Michigan
Titanium metal detecting area in Gogebic County Michigan

Iron County 

As the name suggests Iron County has been mining iron for centuries. And most of the time titanium is associated with reserves of iron too. 

So this could be a place with the potential to have untouched titanium pieces. 

Titanium metal detecting area in Chicagon Falls, Iron County, Michigan
Titanium metal detecting area in Chicagon Falls, Iron County, Michigan

Marquette County 

In this area, there are small iron ores with trace amounts of titanium deposits.

I was lucky enough to find some titanium nodules during my trip to Marquette County. 

Titanium metal detecting area in Morgan Falls Marquette, Michigan
Titanium metal detecting area in Morgan Falls Marquette, Michigan

3. Arkansas 

The state is known for its lakes, rivers and folk songs, and diamond mines. I can assure you that there are more than these for this state. 

Due to its rich history in mining, this state is bound to uncover titanium at some point in history. They have done. 

Titanium metal detecting in Arkansas
Titanium metal detecting in Arkansas

So, let’s have a look at some of the counties of Arkansas where titanium is most abundant,

Monroe County

Even though I haven’t been to any of these counties or the state of Arkansas, there is a buddy of mine who happens to be living in Monroe County, Arkansas. He is also a very keen metal detector as I am. 

Monroe County, the county has abundant clusters of small titanium nodules spread all over the county. 

Pulaski County 

Just like Monroe County, Pulaski County is also known for its occurrences of titanium amongst the other mineral deposits and sand. 

Hot Spring County 

Among the number of hot springs in this county, my friend was able to find several titanium pieces lying beneath the ground. 

Titanium metal detecting area in Hot Spring County
Titanium metal detecting area in Hot Spring County

Magnet Cove 

Magnet Cove location is known for its presence of various minerals. This means there is a chance for you to find some titanium pieces. 

4. Nevada

I guess, you who are reading this, have visited the exclusive casino strip in Las Vegas even once. 

This state is known for its vibrant nightlife but for us metal enthusiasts there are many more things to care about than casinos in Nevada. 

Titanium metal detecting in Nevada
Titanium metal detecting in Nevada

So, let’s see some of the counties of Nevada where titanium is most abundant,

Nye County 

Here, the local community of metal detectors has reported the occurrence of titanium accompanied by various other metals.

I have personally been to this part of Nevada and I can assure you that the locals are correct.

Mineral County 

Just like in Nye County, Mineral County also has some reserves of titanium entangled with other metals. 

Clark County 

Here, the titanium is resent among the mineral sands and other deposits. Apart from naturally occurring sources, Clark County has two other amazing sources for any metal detector to go WOW!

There are two titanium-producing plants in this part of Nevada. Both of these plants are out of order as of today so it is the perfect opportunity for someone like me to search and find some titanium.

The International Titanium Powder plant produced titanium powder for years before closing its doors in 2006. 

It produced titanium powder for various purposes and my guess is there still might be some titanium hanging around the place for the watchful eyes to find. 

The other plant is the Titanium Metal Corporation Facility, which is one of the largest titanium-producing plants in the world. 

Later the operations of this plant were divided among several other plants. I was lucky enough to find some valuable pieces of pure titanium in this location too. 

Other noteworthy sites in the state of Nevada are Washoe County, Elko County, White Pine County, Pershing County, Lincoln County, Humboldt County, and Churchill County.

All these sites are recorded to have titanium reserves hidden underground. 

Titanium metal detecting area in Clark County
Titanium metal detecting area in Clark County

5. California 

Now I’m going to take you through my friend’s backyard, the state I’m currently living in, California.

There are a lot of locations with smaller and tiny deposits of titanium in this state. 

Titanium metal detecting in California
Titanium metal detecting in California

So, let’s discuss Titanium locations in detail.

Butte County 

Butte County is known for its alluvial deposits. Among these alluvial deposits, I have found there are titanium traces too. 

So for someone who is trying to get into titanium detecting this will be the perfect opportunity, as you can never go wrong with finding other metals too. 

Titanium metal detecting area in Butte County
Titanium metal detecting area in Butte County

Del Norte County 

Del Norte County also has titanium deposits hidden among the mineral sands and other metals.

So, for someone who has the patience for finding the perfect piece of titanium, this just might be the place to be.

Titanium metal detecting area in Del Norte County
Titanium metal detecting area in Del Norte County

San Bernardino County 

There are small amounts of titanium deposits in San Bernardino County. But what is more important is the titanium mine present in this county

The Blue Jay Mine has been mining titanium for so long and has been a major producer of titanium.

In this mine, titanium-containing elements like rutile and ilmenite were heavily mined. 

So if you are lucky enough to get permission as I did, you can carry out your metal-detecting procedure here.

I can guarantee you could find some titanium pieces from the site. 

Titanium metal detecting area in San Bernardino County
Titanium metal detecting area in San Bernardino County

Apart from these mentioned sites other counties like Siskiyou County, Tehama County, Trinity County, Yuba County, Kern County, Plumas County, Sierra County, Lake County, Lassen County, Shasta County, and Humboldt County are known for their titanium metal deposits.

6. Colorado 

Among the picturesque mountains and fields, Colorado also has some titanium deposits.

Titanium metal detecting in Colorado
Titanium metal detecting in Colorado

Here are some locations where you can detect titanium in Colorado,

Fermont County 

Fermont County has its fair share of titanium deposits buried within other metals. So this is a place that any metal-detecting enthusiast should visit.

Hinsdale County 

In Hinsdale County also there have been reports of occurrences of titanium in the subsoil components.

Archuleta County 

Just like other mentioned counties, Archuleta County is known to have its fair share of titanium deposits. 

Other counties in Colorado that have titanium deposits are Gilpin County, Gunnison County, and San Miguel County. 

7. South Dakota

There are a few locations in South Dakota which have is reported to have titanium deposits.

Titanium metal detecting in South Dakota
Titanium metal detecting in South Dakota

Custer County

Custer County is known to have its fair share of titanium deposits. Just like other natural deposits, these are also entangled with other metallic minerals.

So careful inspection is needed to discover titanium in these areas.    

Fall River County 

Fall river county also has some titanium deposits with alluvial deposits. 

Other locations in South Dakota are Lawrence County and Pennington County.

These counties also had several reports suggesting that there are titanium deposits in these areas. 

Titanium metal detecting area in Fall River County
Titanium metal detecting area in Fall River County

8. Idaho 

Idaho is an excellent place to gather some titanium.

Titanium metal detecting in Idaho
Titanium metal detecting in Idaho

Here’s a list of counties in Idaho where titanium is most abundant,

Lemhi County 

I have been to Lemhi County and I can assure you that just like other places mentioned in the list, this location also has abundant titanium resources hidden underground. 

Just the right equipment paired with patience would only uncover these titanium pieces. 

Apart from this Clark County and Shoshone County also have small titanium deposits associated with other minerals. 

9. Utah 

There are many locations in Utah, where titanium deposits are found.

Titanium metal detecting in Utah
Titanium metal detecting in Utah

Here are some of the locations for people near Utah to search for a metal-detecting operation. 

Iron County

This county is known to have natural deposits of titanium just like other states and counties.

The specialty of this county is there is an old titanium mine that used to mine ilmenite and rutile. 

I went to visit the Panzhihua mine, which is a major producer of titanium-containing minerals.

I got permission to metal detect in the outskirts of this plant and you will be amazed by how many small nodules of titanium I found during a single detecting session.  

Titanium metal detecting area in Iron County, Utah
Titanium metal detecting area in Iron County, Utah

Juab County 

This county is also known for its reserves of titanium.

Titanium metal detecting area in Juab County
Titanium metal detecting area in Juab County

Tooele County 

In Tooele County, titanium is deposited with mineral sand. And is fairly easy compared to other sites to find some good piece of titanium underground. 

Titanium metal detecting area in Tooele County
Titanium metal detecting area in Tooele County

Other important locations within the state of Utah are Millard County, Sevier County, Emery County, Wayne County, San Juan County, and Piute County.

Top 3 States in the United States of America to Find Titanium by Metal Detecting 

Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina are the top 3 states in the united states of America to find Titanium while metal detecting.

These states are known for their abundance of natural forms of titanium such as rutile and ilmenite. 

Let’s see the locations where metal detectorists like us can gain the most yield by metal detecting for titanium. 

1. Virginia 

Among the many counties resent in Virginia few caught the eye of me.

Titanium metal detecting in Virginia
Titanium metal detecting in Virginia

So, let’s find out those specific Titanium locations in Virginia,

Amelia County

Amelia County is known for its abundance of titanium among the locals. Titanium is present in association with minerals and as titanium-rich rocks. 

If you are careful enough there is a high chance of you finding a titanium mixed rock while metal detecting. 

Nelson County

There are abundant reserves of titanium to be discovered in the county of Nelson too. 

Titanium metal detecting area in Nelson County
Titanium metal detecting area in Nelson County

Buckingham County

Buckingham County is abundant with titanium-bearing mineral sands.

George Washington National Forest

this national park is located in the western part of Virginia. Within this area, there are several sites where titanium reserves are found. 

Authorities have been permitted to discover and dig up any titanium present in the park.

So this might be the perfect opportunity for someone who is waiting to find his first titanium piece. 

Titanium metal detecting area in George Washington National Forest
Titanium metal detecting area in George Washington National Forest

Pittsylvania County 

Pittsylvania County is rich in rutile and ilmenite, the titanium-bearing minerals. 

2. North Carolina 

Titanium metal detecting in North Carolina
Titanium metal detecting in North Carolina

Alligator River 

Along the eastern coastal areas of this county, titanium-based minerals like ilmenite and rutile have been reported. 

Titanium metal detecting area in Alligator River
Titanium metal detecting area in Alligator River

Spruce Pine Mining District

This county is known for its abundant mineral deposits, among which titanium-based minerals take a significant place. 

Titanium metal detecting area in Spruce Pine Mining District
Titanium metal detecting area in Spruce Pine Mining District

Franklin County 

This county is situated in the central part of the state. 

3. South Carolina 

Titanium metal detecting in South Carolina
Titanium metal detecting in South Carolina

Union County 

This county is filled with deposits of minerals and mineral sands. So there is a high chance of titanium being present in these areas.

Cherokee County 

This county is known for its small titanium deposits which are scattered around the county. 

Titanium metal detecting area in Cherokee County
Titanium metal detecting area in Cherokee County

Anderson County 

In this county titanium-bearing minerals like rutile and ilmenite are resent in abundance. 

Horry County 

This county is situated near the coast. This county’s beaches are rich in mineral sands which contain titanium as a major constituent. 

These are the go-to states in the USA if you are intending to find titanium by metal detecting. 

There is a higher chance of you finding a piece of titanium more often than not in these states, therefore your efforts will not go in vain. 

Other locations in the USA where you could find titanium metal detecting 

There are a few other hotspots around the United States of America, where the presence of titanium is abundant.

These are prominently abandoned or old titanium mines.

So, let’s see what are these locations,

  • Tahawus Mine situated in Essex County, New York has been a major producer of titanium in the early 20th century. This mine is abandoned now of its mining and could be a perfect place for you to go hunting for titanium.
  • Trail Ridge Mine situated in Baker County, Florida was one of the largest mines producing titanium during its prime. Now it is abandoned and it is a good opportunity for some curious metal detectors.
  • Rattlesnake Hills Mine situated in Fermont County, Wyoming is another place to be if you looking to find titanium. 
  • Horse Creek Mine situated in Albany County, Wyoming is also a mine operated in the 20th century and produced titanium minerals. These mines are out of order now, so these can be viewed as perfect opportunities to find some good valuable titanium.  
  • Titania mine situated in Lyon County, Minnesota yielded ilmenite, rutile, and zircon during the 1940s to 1960s. 
  • Babbitt Mine which is situated in St. Louis County, Minnesota was an iron mine but it used to produce titanium as a product. This is also an abandoned mine now, so detecting can be done easily on these sites. 
  • Ruby Mines situated in Granite County, Montana were large producers of various minerals. The mine here discarded titanium as a waste product so there is a good chance that some of those discarded titanium to be found buried underground. 
  • Martin Marietta Plant situated in Middle River, Maryland is an active company that produces aerospace parts. The site of this company is like a gold mine to someone keen on finding titanium by metal detecting. Even from the outskirts of this company, there are pieces of titanium everywhere. This is a perfect place to find titanium by metal detecting.
  • Union Carbide Titanium Plant situated in Fostoria, Ohio was actively engaged in Titanium dioxide production in its prime days. currently, the site is closed and abandoned so this can be easily metal detected.

Best Places to Find Titanium Metal Detecting Internationally 

Here are some of the locations for our international audience to quench your thirst for titanium detecting. 

Even though I haven’t been to some of these locations, I have gained information about these sources from friends I made over the years through metal detecting 

So our international readers don’t have to worry about the accuracy of these locations. 

1. Australia 

Australia is one of the main producers of titanium in the world. There are significant titanium deposits in the regions of Murray Basin, Victoria, and Eneabba, Western Australia. 

I have been to Australia and it has a rich amount of Titanium in most areas.

Another hot prospect for someone finding titanium is the abandoned titanium mines present in Greenbushes, Western Australia, and Broken Hill, New South Wales. 

Titanium metal detecting area in Australia
Titanium metal detecting area in Australia

2. Canada

I have been to Canada several times I know it’s rich in titanium and other minerals.

This vast country is known for its titanium reserves. Few provinces have more abundant titanium reserves than others, like Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia

Among those states particular locations like Lac Tia Mine in Quebec and the Dundonald Beach area in Ontario are rich in titanium reserves. 

Titanium metal detecting area in Canada
Titanium metal detecting area in Canada

3. Norway

This northern European has its share of naturally occurring titanium reserves in the western part of the country, more specifically in the Engobofjellet region. 

Another historic location for titanium detecting is the abandoned titanium mine in the Sokndal region. 

Titanium metal detecting area in Norway
Titanium metal detecting area in Norway

4. South Africa 

There are few reserves of titanium in the coastal region of the Kwazulu Natal district.

Another hotspot for finding titanium is the Tormin mine in the Western Cape which is actively producing titanium.

Titanium metal detecting area in South Africa
Titanium metal detecting area in South Africa

5. China 

China is known for its production economy one of the most produced elements in China are minerals and metals. 

Hainan and Guangdong states in China are said to have titanium reserves.

Panzhihua Mining Company is an active titanium mining company that is a major titanium producer in China.  

Titanium metal detecting area in China
Titanium metal detecting area in China

6. Mozambique 

Mozambique is the largest exporter of titanium in the world. Inhambane and Nampula provinces of Mozambique are said to have the largest reserves of titanium in the country. 

So this covers all the places around the earth to find titanium by metal detecting.

Usually, titanium ores are the easiest places where you can find titanium. 

Titanium metal detecting area Pangane Beach, Mozambique
Titanium metal detecting area Pangane Beach, Mozambique

Titanium is commonly found in the Earth’s crust (0.63% by mass), but not in pure form – it’s typically found in mineral deposits such as ilmenite and rutile.

TheChemistryNotes.com

Let’s answer some frequently asked questions as well.

FAQs

Can titanium be detected by metal detectors?

The simple answer to this question is yes. Titanium can be detected by metal detectors. Even though the process is harder than detecting ferrous or aluminum substances, still titanium could be detected by metal detectors.

What are the settings that need to be applied to the metal detector to find titanium?

You should apply the lowest possible frequency setting to your metal detector to find titanium buried under the soil. 

Are there any legal restrictions to metal detecting titanium?

Legal restrictions might be varied according to the state or country you are in.it is advisable to get proper permission from the local authorities or the owners of the land area before detecting to avoid any legal issues  

How is titanium usually found while metal detecting?

Typically, titanium is found mixed and combined with other minerals in the sand or underground, often in the form of titanium-rich rocks or titanium-bearing minerals like rutile and ilmenite.

How do I increase my chances of finding titanium when metal detecting?

To increase your chances of finding titanium, use a metal detector with customizable settings that can help distinguish titanium from other minerals, and consider detecting in areas known for titanium reserves, like beaches, rivers, and old mines.

Did I Cover All you wanted to know about: Best Places to Find Titanium Metal Detecting?  

In this article, I’ve deeply discussed the best places to find titanium metal detecting with my personal experiences and accurate details I gathered from experts.

Just like any other metal-detecting operation, you have to get permission from the local authorities or the owners to search for titanium. 

As this is an expensive element, I can assure you even the smallest finding will earn you a fortune. 

The best places to find titanium through metal detecting in the U.S. include states like Oregon, Michigan, Arkansas, Nevada, California, Colorado, South Dakota, Idaho, Utah, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. These states are known for their considerable titanium reserves, often found in the form of titanium-bearing minerals.

I hope I was able to cover all the relevant areas regarding the best places to find titanium metal detecting.

So get your metal detectors ready and start looking for some titanium!

Hi! I’m the treasure hunter and adventurer behind DetectingTreasures.com. I'm here to share my knowledge, inspire your adventures, and provide practical guides to help you succeed in your own treasure hunting journey. Read More...

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