Hematite and limonite are both iron-bearing minerals widely used in the iron and steel industry, but they also have additional applications due to their physical and chemical properties.
? Hematite (Fe₂O₃)
Properties:
Main Uses:
? Limonite (FeO(OH)·nH₂O)
Properties:
Main Uses:
? Comparison Table
Property/Use | Hematite | Limonite |
Iron Content | ~69.9% | ~55% |
Appearance | Metallic/earthy red/black | Yellow-brown, earthy |
Form | Crystalline (specular, etc.) | Amorphous or massive |
Main Use | Iron ore for steelmaking | Secondary iron ore |
Pigments | Red ochre | Yellow ochre |
Other Uses | Polishing, radiation shield | Soil amendment, pigments |
