Banded iron formation are distinctive units of sedimentary rock that are almost always of Precambrian age
Western Australia, Minnesota
From its formation process
Durable Rock, Medium Hardness Rock
Coarse Grained Rock, Opaque Rock
Layered, Banded, Veined and Shiny
Decorative Aggregates, Homes
Paving Stone, Office Buildings
As Dimension Stone, Used for flooring, stair treads, borders and window sills.
As a touchstone, Cemetery Markers, Creating Artwork
Algoma-type , Lake Superior-type, Superior-type and Taconite
Is one of the oldest rock
Archaeological Significance
The banded iron layers are formed in sea water when oxygen is released by photosynthetic cyano-bacteria. The oxygen then combines with dissolved iron in ocean to form insoluble iron oxides, which precipitated out, forming a thin layer of banded iron formation on ocean floor.
Hematite, Magnetite, Quartz
Fe, Iron(III) Oxide, Silicon Dioxide
Coastal Erosion, Wind Erosion
Uneven, Splintery or Conchoidal
Heat Resistant, Impact Resistant, Pressure Resistant, Wear Resistant
Deposits in Eastern Continents
China, India, Iran, Iraq, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania
Austria, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom
Greenland, Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Deposits in Western Continents
Deposits in Oceania Continent
New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia
Information about Banded iron formation
Rocks are naturally occurring solids which are composed of minerals & have been used by humans since ages. From Stone Age, rocks are used for various purposes. Also, the metals and minerals found in rock play an important role in our life. Get to know all the Banded iron formation Uses. We have provided you with all information about Banded iron formation rock here. Banded iron formation are distinctive units of sedimentary rock that are almost always of Precambrian age. Banded iron formation is available in red, reddish brown colors. The streak of a rock is the color of powder produced when it is dragged across an unweathered surface. The streak of Banded iron formation is white. Get to know more about Banded iron formation rock and characteristics of Banded iron formation rock in the next sections.