Several minerals are primarily made of iron, serving as crucial sources for the metal. These minerals, known as iron ore minerals, are found in various geological formations and are extracted for industrial use.
Common Iron Ore Minerals
Here's a breakdown of the main minerals composed of iron, based on the provided information:
| Mineral Name | Chemical Composition | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hematite | Fe₂O₃ | A reddish-brown to black mineral, one of the most important iron ores. |
| Magnetite | Fe₃O₄ | A black, magnetic mineral; another key source of iron. |
| Titanomagnetite | (Fe,Ti)₃O₄ | A mineral similar to magnetite, but with titanium content; also mined for iron. |
| Goethite | FeO(OH) | A brownish-yellow to black mineral, often found in bogs (bog iron) and other sedimentary environments. |
| Siderite | FeCO₃ | A pale yellow to brown mineral, an iron carbonate, which is a less common, but still important, iron source. |
Other Iron-Bearing Materials
In addition to these primary ore minerals, there are also materials that contain iron in significant amounts. One notable example is taconite:
- Taconite: This is not a mineral itself, but rather an iron-bearing, flint-like, sedimentary rock containing hematite and magnetite in extremely fine form.
These are the most important minerals that are composed of iron, often extracted for iron production. The minerals are distinguished by their chemical formulas and physical properties.
