iron oxide

Iron oxide is a chemical compound made of iron and oxygen, commonly seen as rust. It forms when iron reacts with oxygen in the presence of moisture, creating a reddish-brown coating. Iron oxides are stable and occur naturally in the environment, often used as pigments in paints and coatings. They also have industrial applications, such as in the production of steel, ceramics, and in magnetic materials. Despite its association with corrosion, iron oxide plays valuable roles in various industries and is an important mineral in the Earth's crust.