Ironsand

Ironsand is a type of sand with heavy concentrations of the metal iron. It is typically dark grey or blackish in colour.

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Although found internationally, it is found extensively on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island. It is mined and used by New Zealand Steel to create steel, in a unique manufacturing process. A proposal by Iron Ore NZ Ltd. for further ironsand mining off the coast of Taranaki faced resistance from some Māori in 2005 in the wake of the New Zealand foreshore and seabed controversy.

Many New Zealanders know it well because of its tendency to heat up in direct sunlight, causing temperatures high enough to cause minor burns, and it forms a hazard at popular west coast surf beaches like Piha.

See also

• Ironstone
• Iron ore