Hematite (Fe₂O₃) is one of the most important and widely used iron ore minerals in the world. It is an iron oxide mineral and a primary source of iron for steel and industrial production. Its name originates from the Greek word “haima,” meaning blood, due to its characteristic reddish streak.
Hematite occurs naturally in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks and is valued for its high iron content, ease of processing, and broad industrial applicability.
Chemical Composition & Crystal Structure
| Component | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Iron (Fe) | ~69.94 |
| Oxygen (O) | ~30.06 |
| Impurities (SiO₂, Al₂O₃, TiO₂, MnO, P, S) | Trace – 5% |
Crystal System: Trigonal (Rhombohedral)
Structure Type: Corundum-type
Bonding: Strong Fe³⁺–O²⁻ ionic bonding
Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Color | Red, reddish-brown, steel gray, black |
| Streak | Reddish-brown |
| Density | 5.0 – 5.3 g/cm³ |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 5.5 – 6.5 |
| Melting Point | ~1,565 °C |
| Magnetic Behavior | Weakly magnetic |
| Thermal Stability | Excellent |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Compressive Strength | Very high (brittle) |
| Tensile Strength | Low |
| Fracture Behavior | Brittle |
| Abrasion Resistance | High |
| Impact Resistance | Low |
Metallurgical Behavior
Hematite undergoes stepwise reduction during ironmaking:
Fe₂O₃ → Fe₃O₄ → FeO → Fe
Reduction occurs in blast furnaces or direct reduction furnaces using carbon monoxide (CO) or hydrogen (H₂) as reducing agents.
Key Characteristics
✔ High iron concentration
✔ Excellent thermal and chemical stability
✔ Low sulfur and phosphorus (high-grade ores)
✔ Environmentally benign
✔ Natural pigment properties
Available Forms
| Form | Description |
|---|---|
| Lump Ore | Direct blast furnace feed |
| Fines | Sintering & pelletizing |
| Pellets | Uniform ironmaking feed |
| Powder | Pigments, polishing |
| Synthetic Fe₂O₃ | High-purity industrial uses |
Applications
Primary raw material for iron & steel production
Pig iron, DRI & HBI manufacturing
Red oxide pigments & anti-corrosion coatings
Ceramics, abrasives, and polishing compounds
Catalysts, batteries, and water treatment media
Advantages
✔ High iron yield
✔ Lower processing cost
✔ Widely available globally
✔ Stable under extreme conditions
✔ Versatile industrial applications
Why Choose Hematite?
Hematite remains the backbone of the global iron and steel industry due to its high iron content, predictable reduction behavior, and wide applicability across metallurgy, construction, pigments, and advanced functional materials.