What do Mars and red brick have in common? They share the same pigment.
Mars owes its color to the arch-enemy of car parts. Rust is a mixture of iron oxides—FeO(OH), Fe₃O₄ (magnetite), or Fe₂O₃—COFERMIN’s iron oxide red. But it’s not just the arch-enemy of rusted car parts. Rather, it serves as an energy source in numerous industrial applications. This naturally occurring mineral (known as hematite) demonstrates how something undesirable like rust can be transformed into a valuable resource for industrial applications.
Iron oxide red is a naturally occurring, non-magnetic iron oxide—chemically speaking, Fe₂O₃. However, unlike the undesirable damage caused by rust, hematite is specifically used in various applications. For example, in foundries, it serves as an important molding sand additive to prevent casting defects and thus improve the quality of castings. In the production of core sands and feeders at foundries or foundry suppliers, it is added in quantities of 4–10%.
One of the main chemical effects is the so-called thermite reaction. When iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃) comes into contact with very hot iron, a redox reaction begins in which the Fe₂O₃ accepts electrons from the hot metal and is thereby reduced to metallic iron. At the same time, the hot iron continues to oxidize. This exchange of electrons is highly exothermic and releases so much energy that additional liquid iron is produced, causing the reaction to briefly sustain itself.
This additional “heating” helps smooth the surface of castings and reduce gas bubbles or expansion effects during cooling. With our many years of expertise in the foundry industry, we can help you find the right raw materials for your production. https://cofermin.de/en/foundry-industry/
At the same time, steelworkers use hematite in the smelting process as a so-called fresh ore to control the carbon content in molten iron. Iron oxide red also demonstrates its versatility outside of foundries. It is used as a coloring agent in the glass industry and as an aggregate for heavy concrete in construction chemistry, for example to produce radiation-shielding concrete for medical facilities or nuclear power plants. So the “rust pigment” is capable of much more than just corroding a car’s fender.
Iron oxide red is found in many regions of the world—in Brazil, Australia, Asia, North America, and southern Africa. It is typically mined in open-pit operations, and after extraction, the material is crushed and processed to be sold in dried or ground form, depending on the specific need or application.
Our expertise lies in our ability to provide the appropriate chemical purities, pH levels, and particle sizes tailored to each specific application (fine powder for pigments, coarser granules for concrete or foundry sand). Thanks to modern processing, our iron oxide is also free-flowing and easy to handle, enabling low-dust processing. In addition to protecting the equipment, this also benefits employees and the environment.
Of course, a brief overview of our categories is in order:
Availability: Very good – hematite is available in large quantities worldwide. COFERMIN sources from multiple locations (including Brazil and South Africa), ensuring a consistent supply.
COFERMIN Expertise: In-depth raw material know-how and a global network. We supply high-quality, processed grades (low fines content, optimal particle size distribution) and offer flexible logistics solutions—from smaller batches to bulk deliveries, always with personalized support.
Technical relevance: High – Iron oxide red optimizes casting quality in iron and steel foundries and is essential for heavy-duty concrete and colored glass. Its heat-resistant and coloring properties make it indispensable in many industries.
Demand trends: Moderate growth of approx. 4% per year. Driven by the construction industry, the paints and coatings sector, and continued solid demand in foundries, iron oxide red is considered a raw material in long-term demand.
Thanks to our global network and our expertise in raw materials trading, we can supply you with raw materials such as iron oxide red, precisely tailored to your requirements.
And through forward-looking logistics, we secure your supply—even during market fluctuations, crises, or geopolitical decisions. Our inventory strategy guarantees just-in-time deliveries, even when the raw materials market comes under pressure.
Would you like to learn more or discuss your specific requirements?
COFERMIN is here to support you with in-depth expertise and the right materials.
