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

Not sure if you are interested in theory or practical application, but you can use electrolysis to move rust from one piece of iron to another. Running direct current through a solution with another piece of sacrificial iron (like rebar) which collects the rust. Google will give you the details.