Thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction studies in characterization of hematite iron ore from Rajhara mines

The iron ore was analysed by thermal analysis and x-ray diffraction for its phases and for their decomposition processes. The experiments were conducted in oxygen, air, nitrogen and argon flow and attempts were made to understand the decomposition reactions of minerals and subsequent mineral assimilation. It was observed that the ore consists of goethite, iron oxalate hydrate as mineral matter along with eudialyte and kaolinite as gangue minerals. Four-stage decomposition was observed followed by an oxidation in air. The goethite decomposition was found to be a first order reaction and have activation energy of 175 kJmole(-1). The products of decomposition depend on oxygen potential of the environment and mainly consist of fayalite, ferrite, quartz, calcium silicates and sodium silicates.