Ferrous oxide
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Description
A strongly magnetic black powder that occurs naturally as Magnetite. Black iron oxide has been used since antiquity as a permanent black pigment in paints and as a green colorant in glasses, enamels, and ceramic glazes. It is now produced synthetically. It is sold as a pigment under the name of Mars black although it is rarely used as a artist paints because its coarse particles provide poor coverage. Black iron oxide is used commercially to produce green-tinted IR-absorbing window glass.
Synonyms and Related Terms
black iron oxide; martial ethiops; iron monoxide; ferrous monoxide; iron (II) oxide
Other Properties
Insoluble in water. Soluble in acids. Strongly magnetic.
| Composition | FeO |
|---|---|
| CAS | 1345-25-1 |
| Melting Point | 1360 |
| Density | 5.7 |
| Molecular Weight | mol. wt. = 71.9 |
Hazards and Safety
No significant hazards.
LINK: International Chemical Safety Card
Sources Checked for Data in Record
- Ralph Mayer, A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques, Harper and Row Publishers, New York, 1969 (also 1945 printing)
- Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993
- Susan E. Schur, Conservation Terminology: A review of Past & Current Nomenclature of Materials, Technology and Conservation, Spring (p.34-39); Summer (p.35-38); Fall (p.25-36), 1985
- Michael McCann, Artist Beware, Watson-Guptill Publications, New York City, 1979
- The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry 4100