Overview of Iron Element
Iron is one of the most abundant elements in Earth’s crust. Iron is found mainly in three ores. They are hematite (red), magnetite (black), and limonite (brown). It is found in considerable quantities in stars, meteorites, and rocky planets. In nature, iron is rarely found pure; rather, it can be found as iron ore, a combined mass of iron and other minerals and elements when the iron is mixed with oxygen and other elements such as sand and clays. Iron is a metal. Here, we will learn where iron is found. We will also discuss the use of iron, iron element and who discovered iron.
Iron Metal
Iron as an Element
The iron element is a chemical element with Fe as its symbol. The atomic number of iron is 26. It is a metal belonging to the first transition series and group 8 of the periodic table. The atomic states of iron elements are from negative to positive, including zero. It is a metal which means its atoms are tightly packed and the force of attraction between the subatomic particles is very high. It has a very high melting point and a very high density as well.
Uses of Iron
Discovery of Iron
Archaeologists believe that the discovery of iron was made by the Hittites of Ancient Egypt somewhere between 5000 and 3000 BCE. At this time, they hammered the metal to create tools and weapons. Then they found and extracted this from meteorites and used the ore to make spearheads, tools and other trinkets.
Properties of Iron
The properties of iron are as follows:
It is lustrous (lustrous means it has a shiny surface that reflects light).
Ductile (Ductile means that it is capable of being hammered and turned out too thin).
Silver-grey metal belongs to group VIII of the periodic table.
It Exists in four distinct crystalline forms.
It can rust in damp air but not in dry air.
Iron dissolves readily in the dilute acids.
Iron is a good conductor of heat and electricity.
Iron can be magnetised easily.
Iron Scientific Name
The Ferrum is an iron scientific name (Latin name). The symbol Fe comes from the scientific name of iron.
Extraction of Iron from its ores
Iron is generally found in its oxide form. It is extracted from its ore with the help of a blast furnace. Firstly the oxygen present in its ore is removed. For removal of oxygen, carbon is used as carbon is more reactive than iron oxygen gets easily attached with carbon forming carbon dioxide. In this way, pure iron can be extracted.
Uses of Iron
Iron is used for different purposes. In making steels like carbon steels. Iron acts as an alloy to make steel. These steels are used to make bicycle chains, cutting tools, etc. Iron is also used for making pipes, valves, and pumps. It is used in vehicles like cars, trucks, buses, trains, etc. In the home, appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, stoves, dishwashers, etc. Also used for making utensils like forks, spoons, knives, etc. The use of iron also includes making surgical instruments and jewellery as well. Iron also acts as an alloy with nickel and chromium to form stainless steel (steel and stainless are both different).
Iron Nails
Summary
Iron is known as a metal since it has properties like malleable and ductile and has high density and hardness. Iron is a chemical element and has a symbol of Fe. Iron is rarely found to be pure. It is always mixed with other metals. Iron is found in other minerals like magnetite and taconite. One of the common elements found in the universe is Iron. The iron has Fe as its symbol with the atomic number 26. In addition to all other uses, iron is also used in making surgical instruments and jewelry. We have already discussed in this article, where iron is found and who discovered iron.
FAQs on Where is Iron Found?
1. Where is iron most commonly found on Earth?
Iron is one of the most common elements on our planet. It is primarily found in the Earth's crust inside rocks known as iron ore. Besides being in the ground, iron is also essential for life and is found in our bodies, especially in our blood, and in many foods we eat, like leafy green vegetables and beans.
2. Why is iron so important for our bodies and for daily life?
Iron is vital for two main reasons. In our bodies, it is a key part of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from our lungs to every part of our body. In daily life, iron is used to make steel, which is essential for constructing buildings, bridges, cars, ships, and everyday tools and machinery.
3. Which foods are good sources of iron?
To ensure our bodies get enough iron, we can eat a variety of foods that are rich in this nutrient. Some of the best food sources of iron include:
- Leafy green vegetables like spinach
- Lentils (dal) and beans (like rajma and chana)
- Tofu and soybeans
- Beetroot
- Fruits like pomegranates and apples
4. How do we get usable iron from the rocks in the ground?
The iron inside the Earth is mixed with rock and other minerals in what is called iron ore. To get pure iron, these rocks are first dug out of the ground through a process called mining. Then, the ore is taken to a special factory and heated to extremely high temperatures in a furnace. This process, known as smelting, separates the pure iron metal from the unwanted rock, allowing it to be collected and used.
5. Why do some iron objects like nails or gates get a reddish-brown coating if left outside?
That reddish-brown coating is called rust. Rusting is a chemical reaction that happens when iron is exposed to both oxygen (from the air) and water (moisture or rain) for a period of time. This is why iron objects kept in dry, indoor places last longer, while those left outside in the rain will eventually rust and become weak.
6. What might happen to a person's body if they do not get enough iron from their food?
If a person does not get enough iron, their body cannot produce enough hemoglobin to transport oxygen efficiently. This can lead to a condition called iron-deficiency anaemia. A person with this condition might feel very tired, weak, and breathless, and may look pale because their blood isn't rich in oxygen-carrying cells.
