A structurally promoted precipitated catalyst containing crystalline silica, at least one chemical promoter selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, and iron, the structurally promoted precipitated catalyst comprising maghemite and hematite catalytic phases, and exhibiting a main reduction peak temperature, as determined by TPR, in the range of from about 210° C. to about 350° C. A method of producing the structurally promoted precipitated catalyst is also provided.