Iron ore is a type of mineral and rock from which metallic iron can be economically extracted. The ores are usually rich in iron oxides and vary in color from dark grey, bright yellow, deep purple, and rusty red. The iron itself is usually found in the form of magnetite (Fe3O4), hematite (Fe2O3) or goethite (FeOOH). Ores containing very high quantities of hematite or magnetite are known as natural ore or direct shipping ore, meaning they can be fed directly into iron making blast furnaces.
Iron ore is the material used to make pig iron, which is one of the main materials to make steel. 98% of the mined iron ore is used to make steel. Indeed, it has been argued that iron ore is more integral to the global economy than any other commodity, except perhaps oil.
In its natural state, iron ore rarely exists as a pure mineral; it is scattered throughout the earth as its other ores. Aside from rocks, iron ore can also be found within most sedimentary rocks, such as limestone, as well as other non-metallic minerals. Iron ore is extracted when the material is heated to over 1,100 degrees Celsius, releasing oxygen and other chemicals that combine with iron to make up about 35% of iron ore.
When iron ore is mined, the process of separating the iron from other minerals usually begins with a process of crushing and grinding the ore into small bits. This helps to separate the iron from the other minerals and to break down larger pieces of rock into more manageable sizes. After being crushed, the ore is then transferred to special furnaces involving a chemical process called smelting, where the metal is extracted from the ore with the help of various gases and chemical reactions. The metal is then cooled and formed into different shapes or products.
Iron ore has been used by people since ancient times. Archaeological evidence in the form of primitive tools (like those found in African caves) show that iron ore has been used by humans since prehistoric times. Ancient Egyptians made extensive use of iron ore in making weapons, tools, and jewelry. Ancient Greeks, Celts, Romans, and other early civilizations have also used iron ore in many weapons, tools, and everyday items.
Today, iron ore is used to make steel, which is the most widely used metal in the world. Steel is very strong, highly durable, and is able to be molded into a variety of shapes and sizes. It has a variety of uses in construction, agriculture, automotive, machinery, and more. Modern iron ore mining techniques have made it easier to extract iron from these deposits, making iron ore essential for a variety of industries.
Iron ore is a naturally occurring mineral and rock found all over the world. It is one of the most valuable and versatile metals, and is used in a wide range of products. From transportation to construction and infrastructure, steel is essential in many aspects of our everyday lives. It is a major component of our global economy, making the extraction and processing of iron ore an essential, and profitable, industry.
