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

Sure. You can separate the oxygen out and get iron back. Pre typically isn’t the metal at all, it’s some mineral containing iron. The heat breaks the mineral down to release metallic iron. Carbon present also helps to strip oxygen from the iron.