The uses of micaceous haematite (MIO) exploit its particular structure. Through a microscope it is seen to be composed of flat flakes, rather like a miniature pile of broken roofing slates; hence the term micaceous ('like mica'). It is this lamenar structure which gives micaceous haematite its unique uses. Attempts to use the ore for the production of iron have not been successful and it is too valuable for this purpose.

In the 18th and early 19th centuries, micaceous haematite was marketed as writing sand,  'Devonshire Sand' or 'Pounce' and was used to absorb the ink on hand written documents prior to the invention of blotting paper.

It was also used as a substitute for graphite or as an adulterant to extend expensive graphite. Micaceous haematite on its own or mixed with graphite was used as 'black lead' for stoves and as a dry lubricant.

Shiny ore has also been used in glaze for pottery ('sparkle ware'), tiles and decorative bricks. A fragment of early such pottery can be seen at the House of Marbles at Bovey Tracey and other examples, both old and recent, can be seen in the mine museum.

The haematite was later found to make excellent anti-corrosion paint.