Method of making goethite powder

In the production of goethite, the improvement comprising a method of making acicular goethite powder comprising a method of steps of mixing and simultaneously stirring for a relatively short time an aqueous solution of an alkali hydroxide selected from the group consisting of potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide with an aqueous solution of a ferrous salt, selected from the group consisting of ferrous chloride and ferrous sulfate in a temperature range of 60.degree. to 80.degree. centigrade and then continuing said stirring of the resulting mixture thereby to produce a colloidal aqueous suspension of ferrous hydroxide, said stirring being continued for a period of 2 to 5 hours until milk-white colored ferrous hydroxide suspension is formed, said mixing being accomplished in a time interval less than that used for said stirring, said mixing and said stirring being carried out in an inert gaseous atmosphere, during said stirring the temperature of said solution maintained in the temperature range of 60 to 80.degree. C, and thereafter contacting the resulting suspension with an oxygen containing gas, thereby to oxidize said ferrous hydroxide for a period of 4 to 6.5 hours until yellow goethite is formed the temperature being 50.degree. to 80.degree. centigrade when potassium hydroxide and ferrous chloride is used and the temperature of 40.degree. to 60.degree. centrigrade when sodium hydroxide and ferrous sulfate is used.