Overview

Iron(III) oxide (EYE-urn three OK-side) is a dense, reddish-brown, crystalline compound that usually occurs as lumps or a powder. It occurs in nature as the mineral hematite and is a component of the rust that forms on objects made out of iron that are exposed to the air. Rust itself is actually a complex mixture of iron oxides and hydroxides, including Fe₂O₃, FeO, Fe₃O₄ and FeO(OH). Hematite may range in color from black and silver gray to reddish brown and red depending on the type and amount of impurities present with iron(III) oxide. Iron(III) is also ferromagnetic. Ferromagnetism refers to the ability of a substance to become highly magnetic and then retain its magnetism.

Key Facts

Other Names:

Ferric oxide; red iron oxide; red iron trioxide

Formula:

Fe₂O₃

Elements:

Iron; oxygen

Compound Type:

Metallic oxide

State: