General Info:
Date of
Discovery: Known to the ancients
Discoverer: Unknown
Name Origin: Latin
Symbol Origin: From the Latin word ferrum
(iron)
Uses: steel, hemoglobin (carries oxygen in blood)
Obtained From: iron ores
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Vital Information
Number of:
Protons =
26
Electrons =26
Neutrons = 30
Boiling Point = 2750.0
°C
(3023.15 K, 4982.0 °F)
Melting Point = 1535.0 °C
(1808.15 K, 2795.0 °F)
Freezing Point =
2750.0 °C
(3023.15 K, 4982.0 °F)
Density = 7.86 g/cm3
Electronegativity = 1.83
IRON
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HISTORY AND USES OF IRON
Archaeological evidence suggests that people
have been using iron for at least 5000
years. Iron is the cheapest and one of the
most abundant of all metals, comprising
nearly
5.6% of
the earth's crust
and nearly all of the earth's core. Iron is
primarily obtained from the minerals
hematite and magnetite.
Huge amounts of iron are used to make steel, an alloy
of iron and
carbon.
Steel typically contains between 0.3% and
1.5% carbon, depending on the desired
characteristics. The addition of other
elements can give steel other useful
properties. Steel is used to make paper
clips, skyscrapers and everything in
between.
In addition to helping build the world around us,
iron helps keep plants and animals alive.
Iron plays a role in the creation of
chlorophyll in plants and is an essential
part of hemoglobin, the substance that
carries oxygen within red blood cells. Iron
sulfate is used to treat the blood disease
anemia. |
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Interesting facts you should know
Iron
should be taken between meals with Vitamin C,
while manganese, copper, molybdenum, vitamin A and
the B group are also beneficial. Iron in a
supplement should be almost balanced with zinc.
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High iron content in
the body has been linked to cancer and heart
disease.
People of European
origin, sometimes have a genetic abnormality
for storing excessive iron where ten
percent of these populations carry a gene
for hemochromatosis. Iron supplements are
the leading cause of death in children - so
keep the supplements out of the reach of
children.
A fatal dose for
children could be as little as 600
milligrams. Iron can be poisonous and if too
much is taken over a long period could
result in liver and heart damage, diabetes
and skin changes.
Large iron
supplementation may also contribute to the
hardening of arteries, heart disease and
reducing zinc absorption. |
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Motorcycles
Horseshoes
Iron is also found
in food!
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