Iron Ore is a common metal found in the earth's crust, where it occurs in combination with other elements. The term "iron ore" is used when the rock is sufficiently rich in iron minerals to be mined economically. Iron ore yields metallic iron (Fe) when heated in the presence of a reducing agent such as coke. Iron ore usually consists of iron oxides and carbonates vary in color from dark grey, bright yellow, deep purple, to rusty red.Iron ores are rocks and minerals from which metallic iron can be economically extracted.