Red Oxide
Description:
- Color: Reddish-brown, brick red, or even a purplish hue depending on impurities.
- Can be earthy, massive, or form crystals with a metallic luster.
- Relatively hard mineral (5-6 on Mohs scale).
Uses:
- Pigment: The primary use of red iron oxide is as a pigment due to its strong red color. It’s used in paints, ceramics, plastics, and other applications where a red color is desired.
- Polishing: Used in some polishing compounds due to its abrasive nature.
- Jewelry: High-quality hematite crystals can be cut and polished for use in jewelry.
- Historical Uses: Red ochre, a natural form of hematite mixed with clay, has been used historically as a pigment in cave paintings and cosmetics.
Chemical Composition:
- Primarily iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃), also known as hematite.
Physical Properties:
- Crystal System: Trigonal
- Hardness: 5-6 on Mohs scale (relatively hard, can scratch glass)
- Density: Around 5.2 g/cm3
- Solubility in Water: Insoluble in pure water.
- Melting Point: 1565 °C (2849 °F)
Safety Information:
- Red iron oxide itself is generally considered non-toxic and non-hazardous.
- However, inhaling dust from hematite or products containing it can irritate the lungs. Wear a dust mask when handling large quantities of hematite powder.
