Iron

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

Properties

• Phase: Solid
• Density: 7.874 g/cm³
• Melting Point: 1811 K
• Boiling Point: 3134 K

Uses

• Steel production
• Construction and infrastructure
• Machinery and tools
• Transportation (rails, ships, vehicles)
• Electrical and magnetic applications
• Household hardware and appliances

Extraction Process

Iron is mainly obtained from hematite and magnetite ores. The ore is crushed, concentrated, and reduced with carbon in a blast furnace to produce pig iron. The molten metal is then refined (removing carbon and impurities) to make wrought iron or steel depending on the desired properties.