An example of an alternative conception in a science book:
"The transformation of iron ore into metallic iron under the sizzling heat of a blast furnace is not due to a union of atoms (stone atoms and fire atoms) as ancient alchemists thought, but quite the contrary, a result of a separation of atoms, that is, the removal of oxygen atoms from the composite molecules of iron oxide. The rust that appears on the surfaces of iron objects exposed to dampness is not composed of stone atoms left behind when fire atoms escape during the decomposition of iron-stuff, but to the formation of composite molecules of iron oxide resulting from the union of iron atoms and oxygen atoms from the air or water."
George Gamow (1961) One, Two, Three…Infinity. Facts and speculations of science, Revised Edition, Dover Publications, Inc., New York.
Rust is not simple iron oxide, but a more complex material – but in any case iron oxide is not considered molecular, as iron is a metal and oxygen a non-metal so the compound has considerable ionic character.
