Ferric Oxide (Iron(III) Oxide) Supplier in South Africa

What Is Ferric Oxide (Iron Oxide Red)?

Ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃), also known as iron(III) oxide, iron oxide red, or hematite in its mineral form, is a red-brown powder that is one of the oldest and most widely used inorganic pigments. It is thermally stable, chemically inert, non-toxic, and lightfast, making it suitable for outdoor and architectural applications. Its magnetic properties (α-Fe₂O₃ is weakly ferromagnetic) and catalytic activity add further industrial significance beyond its colouring function.

Inorganic Pigments & Coatings

Iron oxide red is one of the most important inorganic pigments, used in paints and coatings, plastics, rubber, construction materials (concrete, mortar, paving), and ceramics. It provides opacity, UV protection, and tinting strength while remaining heat-stable up to 300°C. Architectural concrete colouring, roof tile pigmentation, and road marking paints all rely on iron oxide pigments for their durability and regulatory compliance in sensitive applications such as playgrounds and food-contact surfaces.

Polishing & Abrasive Applications

Fine-particle ferric oxide (“jeweller’s rouge” or “red rouge”) is a traditional polishing compound for metals, optical glass, gemstones, and semiconductor wafers. It produces bright, scratch-free mirror finishes on gold, silver, copper, and brass. In precision optics, iron oxide polishing compounds are used for final-stage polishing of telescope mirrors, camera lenses, and laser optics. It also appears in magnetic tape, hard disk slurries, and chemical mechanical planarisation (CMP) slurries for semiconductor manufacturing.

Catalysis & Magnetic Materials

Ferric oxide is a catalyst or catalyst component in the Haber–Bosch process for ammonia synthesis (as an iron catalyst promoter), in the water–gas shift reaction, and in the synthesis of styrene from ethylene. α-Fe₂O₃ and γ-Fe₂O₃ (maghemite) are used in the manufacture of magnetic recording media, ferrite components, and pigmented inks for magnetic stripe cards and cheque printing. They are also used as active materials in certain lithium-ion battery cathode formulations.