Iron(III) oxide facts for kids
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Iron(III) oxide, often called rust, is a reddish substance. It is a type of iron oxide with the chemical formula Fe2O3. You see it when iron reacts with oxygen, like when a metal bike gets rusty.
This substance is found naturally in the ground. It is a main source of iron, especially in a mineral called hematite. This makes it super important for the steel industry, which uses a lot of iron.
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What is Iron(III) Oxide Used For?
Making Iron and Steel
One of the biggest uses for iron(III) oxide is making iron and steel. This process is called smelting. It helps us get pure iron from the ore. This iron is then used to make steel and many other metal mixes.
Polishing Shiny Things
A very fine powder of iron(III) oxide is known as "jeweler's rouge." It is used to give a super shiny finish to metal jewelry and lenses. Long ago, people even used it as a cosmetic blush!
Colorful Pigments
Iron(III) oxide is also used as a pigment, which means it gives color. You can find it in some cosmetics. It is also used to add color to dental fillings. In Sweden, a famous red paint called Falu red gets its color from hematite, which is mostly iron(III) oxide.
Magnetic Recording
For a long time, iron(III) oxide was the most common magnetic material. It was used in things like computer disks and magnetic tape. These were used for storing music, videos, and computer data. Newer materials have mostly replaced it now.
In Medicine
You might have seen Calamine lotion, which is used to help with mild itchiness. While zinc oxide is the main ingredient, the red color of iron(III) oxide gives the lotion its well-known pink color.
Related Pages
See also
In Spanish: Óxido de hierro(III) para niños
