A sample of hematite (Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3) is submerged in a solution containing about 14-55% by volume H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 balance water, or 12-45% by weight of H.sub.3 C.sub.6 H.sub.5 O.sub.7 and water, or a combination of both acids. A negative direct current electron flow above about 12 milliamps is established to the hematite as a cathode. The positive electrode can be constructed of copper to reduce oxygen emission from the reaction and is located in proximity but elsewhere. After a reaction time of about 60-120 minutes at about a 30 volt continuous direct charge, a weight loss of about from 0.3-0.5 grams should be measured from the hematite. An increase in current increases weight loss per comparable time unit measure.