Yellow Oxide
Description:
- Color: Varies depending on the specific iron oxide mineral. Can range from light yellow to reddish yellow, brownish yellow, or even orange.
- May be earthy, massive, or form crystals with a vitreous or metallic luster.
- Hardness varies depending on the specific mineral (3-6 on Mohs scale).
Uses:
- Pigment: The primary use of yellow iron oxide is as a pigment due to its range of yellow and orange colors. It’s used in paints, ceramics, plastics, and other applications where yellow or orange color is desired.
- Polishing: Some yellow iron oxides can be used in polishing compounds due to their abrasive nature.
Chemical Composition:
- The specific chemical composition depends on the type of yellow iron oxide:
- Hydrated iron oxide: Minerals like limonite (FeO(OH)) or goethite (α-FeOOH) contribute yellowish-brown colors.
- Iron oxyhydroxide: Minerals like ferrihydrite (Fe5(OH)8(OH2)4) can also produce yellow colors.
Physical Properties:
- Crystal system and other physical properties vary depending on the specific mineral.
- Generally, yellow iron oxides have:
- Hardness ranging from 3-6 on Mohs scale (moderately hard to hard).
- Density around 3.8-4.2 g/cm3.
- Insoluble in water.
Safety Information:
- Yellow iron oxide itself is generally considered non-toxic and non-hazardous.
- However, inhaling dust from yellow iron oxide or products containing it can irritate the lungs. Wear a dust mask when handling large quantities of yellow iron oxide powder.
