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How do hematite and magnetite differ in the oxidation states of iron?
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oxide
Iron oxide (rust) on a bolt.
Hematite and magnetite differ significantly in their iron oxidation states, reflecting their distinct chemical compositions:
- Hematite (Fe₂O₃): This mineral is the fully oxidized form of iron oxide. It contains iron exclusively in the ferric (Fe³⁺) oxidation state.1
- Magnetite (Fe₃O₄): This compound contains a mixture of both ferrous (Fe²⁺) and ferric (Fe³⁺) ions, typically arranged in a 1:2 ratio.1
Because hematite is the most stable form of iron oxide in air, magnetite will slowly oxidize and convert into hematite when exposed to heat or air over time.2