What is iron ore?
Q: What is iron ore?
A: Iron ore is a rock or mineral from which metallic iron can be extracted.
Q: How much iron does it need to contain to be considered "natural ore" or "direct shipping ore"?
A: Natural ore or direct shipping ore needs to contain more than about 60% iron.
Q: When did people start using iron widely?
A: People started using iron widely in the 14th century when smelting furnaces began replacing forges.
Q: Where does the Earth's supply of iron come from?
A: The Earth's supply of iron comes from type Ia supernovae, which were picked up as the Sun moved through areas where supernovae had exploded.
Q: Are island chains formed by volcanoes abundant in metallic ores?
A: No, island chains formed by volcanoes are not abundant in metallic ores because they have basalt and very little else.
Q: Why do some islands have a wide range of metallic ores while others don't? A: Islands that were once part of a supercontinent usually carry heavy element ore, whereas islands formed by volcanism (oceanic islands) do not have many rare and common elements like continental crusts do.
Q: Where does Japan get most of its steel from?
A: Japan gets most of its steel from Western Australia.
