Iron oxides are chemical compounds composed of iron and oxygen. There are sixteen known iron oxides and oxyhydroxides, the best known of which is rust, a form of iron(III) oxide.
Iron oxides and oxyhydroxides are widespread in nature and play an important role in many geological and biological processes. They are used as iron ores, pigments, catalysts, and in thermite, and occur in hemoglobin. Iron oxides are inexpensive and durable pigments in paints, coatings and colored concretes. Colors commonly available are in the “earthy” end of the yellow/orange/red/brown/black range.
When used as a food coloring, it has E number E172.
| Raw Material | Iron Oxide |
| Fe | (69%) |
| SiO2 | (1.3%) |
| Alumina | (0.3%) |
| P | 0.045% |
| S | 0.010% |
| Mn | 0.30% |
| Fe (LOI) | 68.70% |