Used primarily as a pigment in coatings, ceramics, and plastics due to its excellent thermal stability and resistance to UV degradation. Its reddish-brown to black coloration makes it suitable for architectural paints, industrial finishes, and colored concrete. Also employed in the production of specialty glass and as a catalyst support in certain chemical processes. Shows potential in environmental applications such as photocatalytic degradation of pollutants under visible light due to its semiconductor properties.