Iron

What is iron?
Iron is the 26th element in the periodic table of elements. Iron is a very old element, as it has been known to man since prehistoric time. Pure iron is highly reactive to chemicals and corrodes rapidly, especially in thick, moist air and at elevated temperatures. 4 different forms of iron are known, a, b, g, and d. The a form is very magnetic, but when it is transformed into the b form, the magnetism disappears.


What is it used for?
Iron actually has many different uses. It is vital to plant and animal life. However, though it is relatively vital in humans, it appears as a molecule. Iron metal, because of it's properties, is often mixed with other metals and carbon for commercial uses. These metal concoctions are called Pig Iron. Pig Iron is very different from regular iron, as it is more brittle and harder. It is also easier to mix into other irons and also steel.

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron is another type of iron that contains only a few tenths of a percent of carbon making it malleable, tougher and less fusible than pig iron. However, wrought iron is usually more grainy and fibrous than regular iron.

Where is it found?
Iron is a very abundant metal that is found in many places, including:

• The sun
• The stars
• Meteorites (siderites)
• The Earth's core (mainly made up out of iron)
• Taconite
• Magnetite
• Black sands
• Stream banks