In: Mechanical Engineering
How could we get the chemical element iron (Fe) that is required to make steel? In other words, what are the sources of Fe? Write two sources of Fe that an engineer should know
The main sources of Fe are:
For engineering point of view, Limonite and Hematite are the main sources of Fe that an Engineer should know well.
Magnetite: it is a rock mineral and the main iron ore. It is an oxide of iron and is ferrimagnetic. it occurs in sedimentary rocks, including banded iron formations and in the lake and marine sediments as both detrital grains and as magneto-fossils.
Hematite: it is a reddish-black mineral consisting of ferric oxide. Hematite is harder than pure iron but much more brittle. Huge deposits of hematite can be found in banded iron formations. Gray hematite is majorly found in places that can have still standing water or mineral hot springs.