Latest revision as of 14:11, 21 February 2025

Iron[edit]

Iron is a chemical element with the symbol Fe (from Latin: ferrum) and atomic number 26. It is a metal in the first transition series and is by mass the most common element on Earth, forming much of Earth's outer and inner core. It is the fourth most common element in the Earth's crust.

Properties[edit]

Iron is a metal that belongs to the transition metals group. It is known for its high strength and low cost, making it a crucial material in construction and manufacturing.

Physical Properties[edit]

Iron is a lustrous, ductile, malleable, silver-gray metal. It is a ferromagnetic material, meaning it can be magnetized or attracted to a magnet. Iron has a melting point of 1538 °C and a boiling point of 2862 °C.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Iron readily oxidizes in air to form iron oxides, commonly known as rust. It reacts with acids and is a good reducing agent.

Allotropes[edit]

Iron exists in several allotropes, which are different structural forms of the same element. The most common allotropes of iron are alpha iron (α-Fe), gamma iron (γ-Fe), and delta iron (δ-Fe).

Occurrence[edit]

Iron is abundant in the Earth's crust and is found in various minerals, including hematite, magnetite, and siderite. It is also found in banded iron formations, which are sedimentary rocks consisting of alternating layers of iron-rich minerals and silica.

Production[edit]

Iron is primarily produced through the smelting of iron ore in a blast furnace. The main ores of iron are hematite (Fe2O3) and magnetite (Fe3O4).

Uses[edit]

Iron is used in a wide variety of applications, including the production of steel, which is an alloy of iron and carbon. Steel is used in construction, transportation, and manufacturing.

Compounds[edit]

Iron forms various compounds, including iron(II) oxide (FeO), iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3), and iron(II,III) oxide (Fe3O4). These compounds are used in pigments, coatings, and as catalysts.

Geology[edit]

Iron is a major component of the Earth's core and is responsible for the planet's magnetic field. It is also found in ochre, a natural clay earth pigment.

Related pages[edit]

Template:Periodic table

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-'''Iron''' is a chemical element with the symbol '''Fe''' (from Latin: ferrum) and atomic number 26. It is a metal in the first transition series and plays an essential role in various physiological processes. As a vital mineral, iron contributes significantly to the synthesis of several critical biological substances like [[hemoglobin]], [[myoglobin]], and specific [[enzymes]].
+= Iron =
-=== Characteristics ===
+[[File:Iron-alpha-pV.svg|thumb|right|Pressure-volume diagram of iron phases]]
-Iron is:
+'''Iron''' is a chemical element with the symbol '''Fe''' (from Latin: ''ferrum'') and atomic number 26. It is a metal in the first transition series and is by mass the most common element on Earth, forming much of Earth's outer and inner core. It is the fourth most common element in the Earth's crust.
-* Lustrous, metallic, and malleable.
-* The fourth most common element in the Earth's crust.
-* Prone to corrosion, especially when exposed to moisture or an oxidizing environment.
-=== Biological Importance ===
+== Properties ==
-==== Hemoglobin ====
+Iron is a [[metal]] that belongs to the [[transition metals]] group. It is known for its high strength and low cost, making it a crucial material in construction and manufacturing.
-* [[Hemoglobin]] is a protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues.
-* Iron forms the core of the heme group in hemoglobin, allowing it to bind with oxygen molecules.
-==== Myoglobin ====
+=== Physical Properties ===
-* [[Myoglobin]], found primarily in muscles, functions as an oxygen storage unit, providing oxygen to muscles during intense physical activity.
-* Like hemoglobin, myoglobin contains iron in its heme group, essential for its oxygen-binding capability.
-==== Enzymes ====
+Iron is a lustrous, ductile, malleable, silver-gray metal. It is a ferromagnetic material, meaning it can be magnetized or attracted to a magnet. Iron has a melting point of 1538 °C and a boiling point of 2862 °C.
-* Many enzymes in the body require iron as a cofactor for their proper function.
-* Iron-containing enzymes play critical roles in DNA synthesis, energy production, and protection against harmful free radicals.
-=== Dietary Sources ===
+[[File:Magnetization_curves.svg|thumb|left|Magnetization curves of iron]]
-Iron is available in a variety of dietary sources. They can be categorized into two main types:
+=== Chemical Properties ===
-* '''Heme iron''': Found in animal-based foods like meat, poultry, and fish. It is more efficiently absorbed by the body.
+Iron readily oxidizes in air to form iron oxides, commonly known as rust. It reacts with acids and is a good reducing agent.
-* '''Non-heme iron''': Present in plant-based foods such as beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals.
-=== Deficiency and Overload ===
+== Allotropes ==
-* '''[[Iron-deficiency anemia]]''': The most common nutritional deficiency worldwide. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, and pallor. It can result from inadequate iron intake, poor absorption, or excessive blood loss.
+Iron exists in several [[allotropes]], which are different structural forms of the same element. The most common allotropes of iron are alpha iron (α-Fe), gamma iron (γ-Fe), and delta iron (δ-Fe).
-* '''[[Iron overload]]''': Excessive iron levels can be harmful. Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes iron to accumulate in the body, leading to organ damage.
-=== Industrial and Other Uses ===
+[[File:Pure_iron_phase_diagram_(EN).svg|thumb|right|Phase diagram of pure iron]]
-Outside of its biological significance, iron is also:
+== Occurrence ==
-* Used in the production of steel, which is a primary material in construction and manufacturing.
-* Employed in producing pigments, cosmetics, and inks.
-* Integral in the creation of magnets due to its ferromagnetic properties.
-== Conclusion ==
+Iron is abundant in the Earth's crust and is found in various minerals, including hematite, magnetite, and siderite. It is also found in [[banded iron formations]], which are sedimentary rocks consisting of alternating layers of iron-rich minerals and silica.
-Iron, both as an element and a vital mineral, has immense importance in the functioning of living organisms and various industrial applications. The dual role it plays, from ensuring oxygen transport in our bodies to building skyscrapers, underscores its significance in the modern world.
+[[File:Outcropping_banded_iron_formation_-_panoramio.jpg|thumb|left|Banded iron formation]]
-[[Category:Chemical Elements]]
-[[Category:Nutrition]]
+== Production ==
-[[Category:Metallurgy]]
-{{stub}}
+Iron is primarily produced through the [[smelting]] of iron ore in a blast furnace. The main ores of iron are hematite (Fe2O3) and magnetite (Fe3O4).
+== Uses ==
+Iron is used in a wide variety of applications, including the production of [[steel]], which is an alloy of iron and carbon. Steel is used in construction, transportation, and manufacturing.
+== Compounds ==
+Iron forms various compounds, including iron(II) oxide (FeO), iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3), and iron(II,III) oxide (Fe3O4). These compounds are used in pigments, coatings, and as catalysts.
+[[File:Iron(II)_oxide.jpg|thumb|right|Iron(II) oxide]]
+== Geology ==
+Iron is a major component of the Earth's core and is responsible for the planet's magnetic field. It is also found in [[ochre]], a natural clay earth pigment.
+[[File:Roussillon_sentier_des_ocres2.JPG|thumb|left|Ochre cliffs in Roussillon, France]]
+== Related pages ==
+* [[Steel]]
+* [[Hematite]]
+* [[Magnetite]]
+* [[Ferromagnetism]]
+{{Periodic table}}
+[[Category:Transition metals]]
+[[Category:Chemical elements]]
+[[Category:Iron]]

Iron: Difference between revisions