Is there a level of decomposition after rust? Or is there any way (either naturally or through processing) to return rusted iron to a deoxidized state?

Question

From my understanding, iron veins in mines are spotted by their bright red color due to rust on the exposed surface. Then when it’s refined, the rust separates as slag and is discarded, leaving the pure iron behind.

Is this accurate? Or does the refining process deoxidize iron while separating impurities?

In: 16

Answer 1

Rust is more or less end stage in nature, it will physically break down into smaller bits. Maybe a plant will absorb it at some point.

Iron ore is basically rust and rock. The refining process removes the impurities and kicks the oxygen off leaving the iron behind. So yes rust can be turned back into pure iron.