Why is iron added to the head of a match?

[ORF]

Hello,

The explanation for this, min 0:54


is that you have Fe2O3 in the match head, and after burning it, pure iron is obtained
2 Fe2O3 + 3 C -> 2 Fe + 3 CO2

I think the chemical explanation is fine, but I don't understand why Fe2O3 is added (as colorant, if the red phosphorus is already red).

Q: Why is iron added to the head of a match?

Thank you for your time.

Regards,
ORF

 

[TeethWhitener]

As far as I'm aware, iron oxide is not typically added to match heads. At least one chem lab procedure:
http://www.rsc.org/learn-chemistry/...ion-of-iron-on-a-match-head?cmpid=CMP00005113
instructs students specifically to add iron oxide to match heads to achieve the result in the video.

 

[DrClaude]

I just tried it with an ordinary wooden match and it wasn't magnetic after burning.