Main types of iron ore

Iron Ore

Iron ore is an essential mineral commodity that is used in the manufacture of steel and other metal products around the world. It is a naturally occurring material found in the Earths crust and is composed primarily of iron oxides. The principal types of iron ore available in the world today are hematite, magnetite, limonite, and taconite.

Hematite

Hematite, also known as red ocher, is the most abundant type of iron ore. It is composed mostly of iron oxide, which gives it its reddish color. Hematite is more dense than other types of ore, making it relatively easy to mine and transport through mechanized processes. This type of iron ore is found in igneous and metamorphic rock formations all over the world, including Brazil, Africa, Russia, India, and the United States. In the United States, hematite ore is the most abundant type of iron ore available, with an estimated annual production of 140 million tons.

Magnetite

Magnetite is a type of iron ore composed mostly of iron oxides and mineral nuggets. It is also known as black ore due to its dark black coloration. Magnetite is mass-produced in many parts of the world, including the United States, South Africa, Venezuela, and India. It is especially valued in steel making because of its high iron content and easy transportability. The United States produces an annual output of 4.2 million tons of magnetite, making it the second most abundant type of iron ore in the world.

Limonite

Limonite is an iron ore composed of primarily amorphous iron oxide. It is a sedimentary mineral that is commonly found near streambeds and bodies of water. This type of iron ore is typically soft and friable, making it suitable for pulverization into fines. In the United States, limonite ore is produced in New Jersey and California. Annual production of this type of iron ore is estimated to be approximately 600,000 tons.

Taconite

Taconite is a banded sedimentary rock composed of mostly iron oxide. It is one of the most abundant types of iron ore found in the United States and Canada, with an estimated annual production of 60 million tons. Because it is low in silica content, taconite is usually crushed and processed into pellets for use in steel production. Taconite ore production is expected to increase as companies explore new deposits and develop open pit mining.

Conclusion

Iron ore is an essential mineral commodity used in the production of steel and other metal products around the world. The four main types of iron ore available in the world today are hematite, magnetite, limonite, and taconite. Each of these ores has unique physical and chemical characteristics, making them suitable for different industrial uses. As the demand for steel production continues to grow, so too will the need for iron ore and its availability.