Iron oxide is a chemical compound that is made of oxygen andiron. Iron is a metallic element that is found in approximately5% of the Earth's crust. When iron oxidizes, or rusts, colorssuch as yellow, orange, and red are created. A large amount ofiron oxide appears on the planet Mars, which is known as the "RedPlanet." Mars appears to be red because its crust is composedmostly of iron oxide.

This compound is commonly known as hematite. It is thought thatiron oxide deposits were created by the precipitation of ironfrom sea water during the Proterozoic Eon, some 1.6 billion yearsago. These deposits are found in locations around the world, withthe greatest concentrations being in the USA, India,Iran,Australia, China, Brazil, and Russia.

There are three elements that are naturally magnetic: cobalt,nickel, and iron. Among those three, iron is the most magnetic,which is why iron oxide is used extensively in the production ofmagnets, electronic parts, audio and video cassette tapes, andATM cards.

In the art world, iron oxide is used to create pigments such asburnt sienna and burnt umber. This method of creating pigments inpaint colors has been used since the prehistoric age. The cavepaintings at Lascaux are an example of how long this compound hasbeen used in the creation of art.

The cosmetics industry uses iron oxide to create various pigmentsin make-up. Because it is non-toxic, water repellent, and it doesnot run or bleed, it is an ideal additive to cosmetics such asmascara, foundation, and eye shadow. There are two differenttypes of compounds used in the cosmetic industry: iron oxide IIwhich has a black pigment, and iron oxide III, which is red.

The different pigments of this compound are used to dye suchthings as paint, concrete, leather, shoe polish, tiles, andrubber. Brown pigments can range in color from a light brown to acoffee color brown. Red pigmentations range in color from a deeporange to a deep red.

Iron oxide is also added to different nutrients, feeds, andmedications. It can be found in certain types of health products,such as talcum powder, facial cream, and body cream. Some sunblock products contain iron oxide, which helps block UV rays fromdamaging human skin.