Magnetite Black Oxide

General Information

Magnetite is a major iron ore. It is a lustrous, black mineral with the that occurs naturally in igneous and metamorphic crystals, masses, and as a loose sand. The size and abundance of these deposits make magnetite available for heavy use in many industries.

Magnetite is named for its strong magnetism. It is the most magnetic mineral that occurs in nature. The magnetism is generated by the spinel arrangement with transference of electrons between the two different ions. It contains iron in two oxidation states, Fe3 (ferric) and Fe2 (ferrous). This is a unique quality among iron oxides.

Many of magnetite’s applications are possible because of its strong magnetism, intense black colouration, abundance, affordability, and high iron content.

Applications of Magnetite Oxide

Due to its high iron content and availability, magnetite is widely used in the production of iron and steel, as well as in water purification processes. It is also used in medical imaging and to remove contaminants leftover from industrial processes, because of its high magnetism.

One of the most common applications of magnetite powder is as a pigment in paints, ceramics, inks, dyes, and other industries that require black colouration. Black magnetite oxide absorbs light better than most other common pigments and therefore is an affordable and reliable method of producing black. It has been used as a black pigment since the popularity of painted terracotta pottery in ancient Greece. Much of the pigments used then have lasted and continue to be of high quality today. Paints and inks made with magnetite are prized for their resistance to water, as well as mild acids and bases.

Since the inception of data recording, magnetic tape has been a preferred method of storing data. Still today, 77% of surveyed companies stated that they still use magnetic tape for data recording and storage. Like the pigment, it is known for its longevity and suitability for archiving. Due to its high magnetism and iron oxide content, magnetite has been used in the production of magnetic tape for decades.

The production of ammonia requires the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen with hydrogen, using magnetite oxide as a catalyst. The magnetite must undergo a process before being used in ammonia production. The ground magnetite powder is partially reduced, releasing some of the oxygen and leaving behind a magnetite core with an iron shell. This process, which is known as the Haber-Bosch or H-B process, gives the magnetite a highly-porous and greatly increased surface area, which makes it highly active.

Another common application of magnetite powder is in the production of synthetic fuel. Carbon monoxide and hydrogen are converted into hydrocarbons through a process known as the Fischer-Tropsch or F-T process. The small, single-chain hydrocarbons can be processed through cracking, reforming, and isomerization into synthetic fuels. These hydrocarbons are essential to the production of petroleum products that are needed worldwide in virtually endless industries and applications.

Para-nitrophenol is a known contaminant that is a by-product of many industrial processes. To eliminate this substance through decomposition, magnetite is used to catalyse the degradation of peroxide. This produces hydroxyl radicals that assist in the decomposition of para-nitrophenol. This process is often used in the petrochemical, paper manufacturing, and pesticide production industries to eliminate pollutants and contaminants.

In addition to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetite can be used in the medical field to extract DNA and has shown to outperform commercial DNA extraction kits. Extracts obtained with magnetite were suitable for enzyme digestion, as well as the polymerase chain reaction process.

Packaging

Choose the packaging and shipping arrangement that best suits your needs, from small packaging to bulk bags or custom sizes made just for you. We can accommodate virtually any size, from one metric ton to thousands.

Convenience

We maintain competitive pricing in an effort to win and retain your business for as long as you need us. Our goal is to meet the needs of every customer, including those with special requests and demanding production schedules.

A 15-day general turnaround for manufacturing allows us to get your compounds to you as quickly as possible, so you can keep up with the demands of your business. Contact us to get in touch with a distributor in your area if you don’t have time to wait for materials.

We currently ship to 44 countries across the world and we’re happy to ship to yours, too. The dependable and professional logistics channels we have in place make it easy to offer great pricing and service regardless of your location.

African Pegmatite

With 48 years as professionals in mining and manufacturing, we have the insight, network, and experience to offer you the very best in quality, service, and efficiency. We’ve been accredited by the ISO 9001 since 2002 and have most recently met the 2015 standard.

We aim to provide the very best materials available to our customers, and become your one-stop shop for colourants, minerals, compounds, and more.

If you’d like to become a distributor of African Pegmatite products, get in touch with us and we’ll customise an arrangement with you.