Principal ore of iron, consisting mainly of iron(III) oxide, Fe2O3. It occurs as specular haematite (dark, metallic lustre), kidney ore (reddish radiating fibres terminating in smooth, rounded surfaces), and a red earthy deposit.
The small stars stand for the original provinces of Congo at independence in 1960. The single gold star was said to represent the light of civilization. Effective date: 17 May 1997.