Ironsand

Iron sand from Phoenix, Arizona, attracted to a magnet.

Ironsand is a type of sand with heavy concentrations of the metal iron. It is typically dark grey or blackish in colour.

It comprises mainly magnetite, Fe₃O₄, and as such is attracted to magnets.

Ironsand has a tendency to heat up in direct sunlight, causing temperatures high enough to cause minor burns. As such it forms a hazard in New Zealand at popular west-coast surf beaches like Piha.

Occurrence

Although found internationally, it occurs extensively on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island. It is mined and used by New Zealand Steel to create steel, in a unique manufacturing process. A proposal by Iron Ore NZ Ltd. for further ironsand mining off the coast of Taranaki faced resistance from some Māori in 2005 in the wake of the New Zealand foreshore and seabed controversy. It was also used extensively in Japan for iron production, especially for Japanese swords. In Indonesia, the iron sand is prevalent in the south coast of Java island. generally because of its location near the beach sand conditions can not be covered by lush plants make when completed mine reclamation process so much help to nourish the soil. This is done by PT Antam Indonesia when they do the iron sand mining in Cilacap, which will also be conducted in the coastal Wotgalih, Lumajang.

See also

• Ironstone
• Iron ore

External links

• A history of ironsands in New Zealand steel manufacture