Hematite and Limonite

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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:

• High iron content (~69.9% Fe)
• Hard, dense, metallic or earthy luster
• Red to black in color

Main Uses:

1. Iron and Steel Industry
• Primary use: Source of iron for steel production (one of the most important iron ores globally).

1. Pigments

• Red ochre: Hematite is used as a red pigment in paints, ceramics, and cosmetics.

1. Radiation Shielding

• Due to its density, used in concrete mixes for shielding in nuclear and medical facilities.

1. Polishing Compounds

• Known as "jeweler’s rouge" or "red rouge" for polishing metal and glass.

1. Decorative Stone

• Used in jewelry and ornaments due to its striking metallic luster.

 

? Limonite (FeO(OH)·nH₂O)

Properties:

• Variable iron content (~55% Fe)
• Amorphous or earthy texture
• Yellow-brown to dark brown color
• Often formed from weathering of other iron minerals

Main Uses:

1. Iron and Steel Industry
• Lower-grade ore compared to hematite, but still used for iron extraction where high-grade ore is not available.

1. Pigments

• Known as yellow ochre, used in natural paints, ceramics, and artistic pigments.

1. Soil Conditioning

• Sometimes used to amend iron-deficient soils in agriculture.

1. Catalysts and Water Treatment

• In some industrial processes, limonite or its derivatives may be used as a catalyst or for pollutant removal.

 

? 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

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