What is Iron(III) oxide?
[[File:Iron(III)-oxide-sample.jpg|thumb|Iron(III) oxide]] '''Iron(III) oxide''', also known as '''rust''', is a reddish substance, an [[iron oxide]]. It has a chemical formula of Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>. It is made by the reaction of [[iron]] with [[oxygen]]. It is found naturally in the ground as [[hematite]], the major [[ore]] which [[blast furnace]]s use to smelt iron. It dissolves in [[acid]]s. It can be mixed with fine powdered granules of [[aluminum]] in a 27:80 ratio to form [[thermite]], a semi-explosive powder. The iron is in the +3 [[oxidation state]], which is what the III means. If the iron was in the +2 oxidation state, it would be [[iron(II) oxide]]. ==Related pages== * [[Rust]] * [[Hematite]] {{chem-stub}} [[Category:Iron compounds]] [[Category:Oxides]]