Question

Q.11.Distinguish between magnetite and haematite.

Answer 1

• Magnetite has the chemical formula of FeO·Fe2O3 or Fe3O4. Chemical formula of hematite is Fe2O3.

• Magnetite iron is in +2 and +3 oxidation states whereas, in hematite, it is only in +3 oxidation state.

• Magnetite has higher iron content than hematite; therefore, its quality is higher.

• Magnetite is black in color, but hematite has a variety of colors.

• Hematite is a component of rust but magnetite is not.

• Magnetite is a naturally strong magnet, but in hematite magnetism occurs upon heating.

• Magnetite has a black streak, whereas hematite has a reddish brown streak.

• Hematite has a rhombododecahedral crystal structure. Magnetite commonly shows octrahedral crystal structure.