Iron oxides are chemical compounds composed of iron and oxygen. All together, there are sixteen known iron oxides and oxyhydroxides. Iron oxides and oxide-hydroxides are widespread in nature, play an important role in many geological and biological processes, and are widely utilized by humans, e.g., as iron ores, pigments, catalysts, in thermite , Hemoglobin. Common rust is a form of iron(III) oxide. Iron oxides are widely used as inexpensive, durable pigments in paints, coatings and colored concretes. Colors commonly available are in the “earthy” end of the yellow/orange/red/brown/black range.

Ferric oxide is one of the most common synonyms of Iron oxides, with the CAS NO. 1309-37-1, it has many synonyms, such as Crystalline ferric oxide, Specular hematite, fe203, Specular red iron oxide, Specularite, Alaska black diamond, Specular jeweler’s rouge, Iron oxide; Ferric oxide red. It is a red crystalline insoluble oxide of iron that occurs as haematite and rust and is made by heating ferrous sulphate: used as a pigment and metal polish.
Ferric oxide red (Fe2O3), also known as iron (III) oxide, is a coloring agent for tablets and capsules and is used in the pharmaceutical industry. Ferric oxide red occurs naturally as hematite ore and rust. Iron oxides are also commonly used in the cosmetics industry. Iron oxides for use in pharmaceutical manufacturing may also be synthetic.
Uses of Ferric oxide: The overwhelming application of Ferric oxide is as the feedstock of the steel and iron industries, e.g. the production of iron, steel, and many alloys.  It is also used to put the final polish on metallic jewelry and lenses, and historically as a cosmetic. Except for these, Ferric oxides are used as pigments in dental composites alongside titanium oxides.