Iron ore is typically found with various impurities, with the main impurity being silicon dioxide (SiO\(_2\)). To remove silicon dioxide from iron ore, calcium oxide (CaO) is added to the blast furnace. This is a neutralization reaction because silicon dioxide is acidic and calcium oxide is basic.

  CaO\(_{(s)}\) + (SiO\(_2\))\(_{(s)}\) → CaSiO\(_2\)\(_{(s)}\).

  Base Acid