Rusting is the corrosion of iron or steel due to exposure to oxygen and moisture in the air, resulting in the formation of iron oxide (Fe\(_2\)O\(_3\) or Fe\(_3\)O\(_4\)), which is an example of an basic oxide.

Fe\(_2\)O\(_3\), also known as iron(III) oxide, is considered basic in nature; it exhibits more basic properties than acidic ones, although it can act as an amphoteric oxide, meaning it can react with both acids and bases under certain conditions.Since iron is a metal, its oxide (Fe2O3) is generally classified as basic.