Producing Iron (Fe)

Fe: Iron

This element is known from ancient ages.

Abundance: 6.2%(in the earth's crust)

Method 1

Heat magnetite and/or hematite with charcoal.

Fe3O4 + C 3Fe + 4CO

Fe2O3 + C 2Fe + 3CO

Carbon steel is recovered.

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Method

Heat magnetite and/or hematite with calcite and coke.

2C + O2 2CO

CaCO3 + C CaO + 2CO

Iron oxide is reduce by carbon monoxide.

Fe2O3 + 3CO 2Fe + 3CO2

Calcium oxide which generated by decompositon of calcite, reacts with impurities and form slag.

SiO2 + CaO CaSiO3