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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-{{Short description|Overview of iron in human health}}
+= Iron =
-{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-==Iron in Human Health==
+[[File:Iron-alpha-pV.svg|thumb|right|Pressure-volume diagram of iron phases]]
-[[File:Iron supplement.jpg|thumb|right|Iron supplements are commonly used to treat iron deficiency.]]
-Iron is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. It is an essential component of [[hemoglobin]], the protein in [[red blood cells]] responsible for transporting [[oxygen]] from the lungs to the rest of the body. Iron is also a part of [[myoglobin]], a protein that provides oxygen to muscles, and is involved in numerous [[enzymatic reactions]] that are critical for [[metabolism]].
-==Functions of Iron==
+'''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.
-Iron is indispensable for several physiological processes:
-* '''Oxygen Transport''': As a component of hemoglobin, iron facilitates the transport of oxygen in the blood. Each hemoglobin molecule can bind four oxygen molecules, allowing efficient oxygen delivery to tissues.
+== Properties ==
-* '''Energy Production''': Iron is a cofactor for enzymes involved in the [[electron transport chain]], a series of reactions that generate [[adenosine triphosphate]] (ATP), the energy currency of the cell.
+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.
-* '''DNA Synthesis''': Iron is necessary for the synthesis of [[deoxyribonucleic acid]] (DNA), the genetic material in cells, which is crucial for cell division and growth.
+=== Physical Properties ===
-* '''Immune Function''': Iron plays a role in the proliferation and maturation of [[immune cells]], particularly [[lymphocytes]], which are essential for a robust immune response.
+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.
-==Dietary Sources of Iron==
+[[File:Magnetization_curves.svg|thumb|left|Magnetization curves of iron]]
-[[File:Spinach.jpg|thumb|left|Spinach is a plant-based source of iron.]]
-Iron is available in two forms in the diet: heme and non-heme iron. Heme iron, found in [[animal products]] such as [[red meat]], [[poultry]], and [[fish]], is more readily absorbed by the body. Non-heme iron, found in [[plant-based foods]] like [[lentils]], [[beans]], [[tofu]], and [[spinach]], is less efficiently absorbed.
-To enhance the absorption of non-heme iron, it is beneficial to consume it with [[vitamin C]]-rich foods, such as [[citrus fruits]], [[bell peppers]], and [[broccoli]].
+=== Chemical Properties ===
-==Iron Deficiency==
+Iron readily oxidizes in air to form iron oxides, commonly known as rust. It reacts with acids and is a good reducing agent.
-Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and can lead to [[iron deficiency anemia]]. Symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and dizziness. It is particularly prevalent among [[pregnant women]], [[infants]], and [[adolescents]] due to increased iron requirements.
-==Iron Overload==
+== Allotropes ==
-Excessive iron accumulation in the body can lead to a condition known as [[hemochromatosis]]. This can cause damage to organs such as the [[liver]], [[heart]], and [[pancreas]]. Symptoms may include joint pain, fatigue, and skin discoloration. Management involves regular [[phlebotomy]] to remove excess iron from the body.
-==Iron Supplementation==
+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 supplements are often prescribed to individuals with iron deficiency anemia. These supplements come in various forms, including ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous fumarate. It is important to take iron supplements under medical supervision to avoid potential side effects and complications.
-==Related Pages==
+[[File:Pure_iron_phase_diagram_(EN).svg|thumb|right|Phase diagram of pure iron]]
-* [[Anemia]]
-* [[Hemoglobin]]
-* [[Nutrition]]
-* [[Metabolism]]
-[[Category:Minerals]]
+== Occurrence ==
-[[Category:Nutrition]]
-[[Category:Hematology]]
+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.
+[[File:Outcropping_banded_iron_formation_-_panoramio.jpg|thumb|left|Banded iron formation]]
+== Production ==
+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