What is Iron Ore Used For?

Iron ores are typically used for the production of iron. Then the iron produced is to make steel. Steel is used to make automobiles, locomotives, ships, beams used in buildings, furniture, paper clips, tools, reinforcing rods for concrete, bicycles, and thousands of other items. It is the most-used metal by both tonnage and purpose.

In terms if theory, ores containing Fe element or iron compound are called iron ore. However, in terms of industry or commerce, iron ore is different from manganese ore and it should not only contain Fe but also the Fe element is valuable.

 Iron Ore Application 

Magnetite is a ferric magnetic mineral with chemical formula Fe3O4, one of several iron oxides and a member of the spinal group. The chemical IUPAC name is iron(II,III) oxide and the common chemical name ferrous-ferric oxide. The formula for magnetite may also be written as FeO·Fe2O3, which is one part wetsuit (FeO) and one part hematite (Fe2O3). This refers to the different oxidation states of the iron in one structure, not a solid solution.

Hematite is also a ferric whose main gradient is Fe2O3. It is dull-red and the most common iron compound. During to the different formations, hematite is divided into Red hematite, Secular hematite, micaceous hematite and Red Ocher, etc.

Limonite is an ore consisting in a mixture of hydrated iron(III) oxide-hydroxide of varying composition. The generic formula is frequently written as FeO(OH)·nH2O, although this is not entirely accurate as limonite often contains a varying amount of oxide compared to hydroxide.

Siderite is a mineral composed of iron carbonate FeCO3. It takes its name from the Greek word sideros, "iron". It is a valuable iron mineral, since it is 48% iron and contains no sulfur or phosphorus. Both magnesium and manganese commonly substitute for the iron. Siderite has Moh’s hardness of 3.5-4, a specific gravity of 3.8, a white streak and a vitreous or pearly luster.