Iron Slag

Iron slag is a byproduct produced during the smelting of iron ore in a blast furnace or during steelmaking. It is a mixture of various metal oxides, primarily silicates, alumina, and calcium oxides, which forms as the impurities in the iron ore melt and separate from the liquid iron. The slag floats on top of the molten metal and is removed for further processing or disposal.

Composition:
Iron slag is mainly composed of:

Silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

Calcium oxide (CaO)

Aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃)

Magnesium oxide (MgO)

Trace amounts of other oxides like iron oxide (FeO) and sulfur.

The exact composition of slag can vary depending on the specific process used for the ironmaking or steelmaking and the type of iron ore.

Appearance:
Iron slag typically appears as a dark, dense material that can range in color from gray to black or even greenish. When cooled, it can form solid, rock-like structures.