Iron

Iron

Pressure-volume diagram of iron phases

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

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

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.

Magnetization curves of iron

Chemical Properties

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

Allotropes

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).

Phase diagram of pure iron

Occurrence

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.

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.

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.

Ochre cliffs in Roussillon, France

Related pages

• Steel
• Hematite
• Magnetite
• Ferromagnetism