Magnetic mineral characterization of iron sand deposits in Bambang Beach Lumajang, East Java, Indonesia

The presence and potencies of iron sand in Indonesia have an important role for primary raw material in steel and construction industry, but its existence is not yet optimally benefited. The aims of the research was to identify the percentage of magnetic mineral content in the iron sand around Bambang Beach which is located in Pasirian Sub-district, Lumajang, East Java to optimize its benefits. The presence of iron sand in the research area is assumed originating from beach placer which have concentrated along the Bambang Beach. The iron sand samples were directly obtained from the beach and its surroundings. The sand then dried and pounded to reduce the water content. The characterization using XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) in the laboratory. From the characterization of XRF, the iron (Fe) were found in samples with concentrations about 30,9% to 51,4%. Iron sand based magnetic mineral containing iron (Fe) in mineral hematite (Fe2O3).