Lecture Notes: Iron and Iron Ore

Introduction to Iron

• Ferris Metal: Iron is classified as a ferris metal, meaning it contains iron.
• Common Forms:
  • Predominantly found as iron oxides.
  • Common forms include hematite and magnetite.

Key Iron Ores

1. Hematite

   • Etymology: Named after the Greek word for blood due to its color.
   • Color: Ranges from red to reddish-brown.
   • Iron Content: Contains significant iron content, sometimes found in high-grade deposits.
   • Magnetic Properties: Weak magnetic property.
   • Geographical Locations in India:
     • Andhra Pradesh
     • Jharkhand
     • Orissa
     • Chhattisgarh
     • Goa
     • Karnataka
     • Maharashtra
     • Rajasthan

2. Magnetite

   • Iron Content: Contains very high iron content (up to 72%).
   • Magnetic Properties: Excellent magnetic qualities, aiding separation during extraction.
   • Color: Ranges from dark gray to black.
   • Geographical Locations in India:
     • Andhra Pradesh
     • Jharkhand
     • Goa
     • Kerala
     • Tamil Nadu
     • Karnataka

Types of Iron Ores

• Natural Ore/Direct Shipping Ore: Contain high quantities of hematite or magnetite suitable for direct feeding into blast furnaces for iron production.
• Export Quality: High iron content ores are considered of export quality due to their purity.

Conclusion

• Understanding the different types of iron ores and their properties is essential for extraction and processing.
• Knowledge of geographical locations aids in resource management and extraction efforts.