What is the Difference Between Fe2O3 and Fe3O4?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 lies in their structure, oxidation states, and natural forms. Here is a comparison of the two iron oxides:
- Structure: Fe2O3 has several crystal forms, including alpha, gamma, and beta phases, with different structures such as rhombohedral, cubic, and cubic body-centered structures, respectively. On the other hand, Fe3O4 has a cubic inverse spinel structure.
- Oxidation states of iron: In Fe2O3, the oxidation state of iron is +3, while in Fe3O4, iron exists in both +2 and +3 oxidation states.
- Natural forms: Fe2O3 is found in nature as the mineral hematite, while Fe3O4 occurs as the mineral magnetite.
- Colors: Fe2O3 is dark red in color, while Fe3O4 is dark black.
- Magnetic properties: Fe3O4 is ferromagnetic, which means it can be attracted to even weak, external magnetic fields due to the presence of both Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions. Fe2O3, on the other hand, is paramagnetic.
Both Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 are used as pigments, and they are vital to various geological and biological activities. They are also the feedstock for pure metal iron production.
Comparative Table: Fe2O3 vs Fe3O4
The main differences between Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 can be summarized in the following table:
Feature | Fe2O3 (Ferric Oxide) | Fe3O4 (Iron(II,III) Oxide, Magnetite) |
---|---|---|
Color | Dark red | Brownish-black with a metallic luster |
Oxidation State | Only +III | Both +II and +III |
Structure | Rhombohedral (alpha phase), cubic (gamma phase), and other phases | Cubic inverse spinel structure |
Crystal Form | Hematite | Magnetite |
Uses | Pigment in dental composites, FDA-approved colors "Pigment Brown 6" and "Pigment Red 101" | Used in various applications, including as a pigment |
Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 are both naturally occurring iron oxides, but they have different properties and usage. Fe2O3, also known as hematite, has several crystal forms, while Fe3O4, also known as magnetite, has a cubic inverse spinel structure. The oxidation state of iron in Fe2O3 is +III, while in Fe3O4, it contains both +II and +III oxidation states. Fe2O3 is dark red in color, while Fe3O4 has a brownish-black color with a metallic luster. They are both used as pigments and possess ferromagnetic properties.
- FeO vs Fe2O3
- Iron vs Ferrous Sulfate
- Ferrous vs Ferric
- Ferric vs Ferrous Sulphate
- Iron Ore vs Iron
- Iron II Chloride vs Iron III Chloride
- Ferrous Fumarate vs Ferrous Sulfate
- Magnetite vs Hematite
- Manganese Oxide vs Manganese Dioxide
- Ferromagnetism vs Ferrimagnetism
- Red vs Black Iron Oxide
- Iron vs Ferritin
- Ferrous vs Non-Ferrous Minerals
- Magnesium vs Magnesium Oxide
- Ferrous Gluconate vs Ferrous Fumarate
- Magnesium Oxide vs Magnesium Hydroxide
- Carbonyl Iron vs Ferrous Sulfate
- Ferrous Gluconate vs Ferrous Sulfate
- Oxide vs Dioxide