Iron Ore

Iron ore is a mineral substance which, when heated in the presence of a reductant, will yield metallic iron (Fe). It almost always consists of iron oxides, the primary forms of which are magnetite (Fe3O4) and hematite (Fe2O3). Iron ore is the source of primary iron for the world's iron and steel industries.

Iron ores are rocks from which metallic iron can be economically extracted. The principal iron ores contain hematite (Fe2O3) and magnetite (Fe3O4). Hematite is an iron oxide mineral. It is non-magnetic and has colour variations ranging from steel silver to reddish brown.

Its most common uses are for making steel and iron products such as nails, tools, and pipes. Iron ore also plays a vital role in creating machine parts for the automotive, aerospace, and other industries. In addition to these industrial uses, it is also an important component in animal feed and fertiliser production.