R&O or rust and oxidation oils with a mineral-base are general-purpose lubes employed in a variety of industrial applications but are most commonly used in circulation systems, air compressors, gear drives, lightly-loaded applications, and some geared turbines. Additionally, these lubricants are used in areas where lubrication is readily and easily applied.

ISO VG 32 oil has a measured midpoint viscosity of 32 centistokes or mm²/s. This is an average taken from various readings of the viscosity of the oil.