miox (micaceous iron oxide flake)
what is miox?
micaceous iron oxide (iron oxide, Fe2O3)(miox) is a naturally occurring iron oxide with lamellar shape similar to mica (hence the name). micaceous iron oxide is characterised by: black color, a lamellar structure and high inertness in various media (the iron in the mineral has already been oxidized).
specular hematite, sometimes called “micaceous iron oxide” has a metallic luster and appears to be a rock composed of shiny mica flakes. instead those flakes are hematite. even though this hematite has a silver color, it still produces a reddish streak – which is a key to hematite’s identification.
micaceous iron oxide pigment is used in paints to provide long-term durability and have been used continuously since the early 1900’s to protect steel.