Haematite
Also called: Hematite · Topic: Mineral Resources of India: Distribution and Conservation · NCERT: Class 10, Ch 5 "Minerals and Energy Resources"; Class 12, Ch 5 "Mineral and Energy Resources"
Meaning
Haematite is a reddish iron oxide. It is the iron ore that industry uses most. It contains 50-60% iron (NCERT), which is a little less than magnetite. Even so, it is the main ore used in Indian steel plants because large amounts of it are available. Most of India's iron ore comes from Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Jharkhand.
Example
The Bailadila range in Dantewada district, Chhattisgarh, has 14 deposits of super high-grade haematite. NMDC mines it and exports it through Visakhapatnam. Dalli-Rajhara in Durg feeds the Bhilai steel plant.
Don't confuse with
- Magnetite: this is the finest iron ore, with up to 70% iron, and it is magnetic. The statement "Haematite is the finest ore" is false. Haematite is the most used ore, not the richest.