Question

What is the role of limestone in the metallurgy of iron?

Answer 1

Iron is extracted from its ore, haematite, in a blast furnace. The ore is fed into the top of the furnace along with coke and limestone. ... The limestone decomposes in the hot furnace, forming calcium oxide. This reacts with the sandy impurities (silicon dioxide) to form a slag.

Answer 2

Answer: Iron is extracted from its ore, haematite, in a blast furnace. The ore is fed into the top of the furnace along with coke and limestone. The limestone decomposes in the hot furnace, forming calcium oxide. This reacts with the sandy impurities (silicon dioxide) to form a slag.