What is it - iron, where did it come from and how is it mined? This useful metal has many applications. The chemical element plays an important role in world industry, and the circulation of iron in nature is important in the life of the planet.
What is iron?
Iron is a metal element that is very chemically reactive, especially when it interacts with oxygen. This is one of the most common elements on Earth and in space. Iron atoms contain 26 protons in their nuclei. The chemical symbol - Fe (ferum) comes from its Latin name ferum. In its pure form, it is a soft and brittle metal, which is strengthened by impurities. When combined with carbon, steel is obtained, for the production of which more than 98% of the iron ore mined today is used.
All iron atoms in the universe formed in the nuclei of stars at the final stages of fusion, and then were released into space by stellar explosions. This is the fourth largest element in the earth's crust after silicon, oxygen and aluminum. What is iron? This is the most common element that makes up our planet, although most of its mass is much lower than the surface - in the core of the Earth. It is present in almost all rocks of the crust and mantle as a chemical component of hundreds of various minerals.
Iron ore
In its pure form, this metal is rare. Some meteorites contain elemental iron. This element chemically reacts with oxygen and water to produce iron-containing minerals. Any stone that contains a sufficient amount of this metal, mined for economic purposes, is called iron ore. Its most common minerals are:
- iron oxide (formula Fe 2 O 3 ), which is formed under the influence of oxygen;
- hydrated iron oxide, which is formed by a reaction in water.
The most important iron ores are iron oxide minerals called hematite and magnetite. A high concentration of Fe makes them the most preferred in industry. Iron is mined at major ore deposits. Most often, these are formations that are ancient sedimentary rocks. They contain layers of iron oxide minerals (formula Fe 2 O 3 ) up to a few centimeters thick.
Where can I find iron?
At room temperature, it is a solid. It is a shiny gray metal that rusts over time when exposed to humid air. It combines with many other metals to form alloys. Scopes of iron are quite extensive. When it combines with carbon, steel is obtained. It can also be combined with other metals such as nickel, chromium and tungsten. These alloys are very durable and can be used to make bridges and buildings.
Iron is a very ancient element that has been used on Earth for a long time. Objects from it were found in ancient Egypt. There was even a whole period of time (1200-500 BC) named in his honor - the Iron Age, when it was used to make tools and weapons. To find this useful metal, you need to look for it deep underground. It is found both in the earth's crust and in the core of the Earth. There is more iron on Earth than any other metal. This element can also be found on other planets, including the core of Jupiter and Saturn, as well as the red dusty surface of Mars (it was in connection with this that it was called the Red Planet).
The land cycle of iron in nature
Iron (Fe) follows the geochemical cycle, like many other nutrients. It is usually released into soil or the ocean through weathering of rocks or volcanic eruptions. In the Earth’s ecosystem, plants first absorb iron through the roots of the soil. This is an extremely important nutrient that moves between living organisms and the geosphere.
Iron is an important limiting nutrient for plants that use it to produce chlorophyll. Photosynthesis depends on an adequate supply of this metal. Plants assimilate it from the soil to the roots. Animals consume plants and use it to produce hemoglobin. When they die, they decompose and bacteria return the metal to the soil.
Marine iron cycle
The marine iron cycle in nature is very similar to the earth's cycle. This process occurs due to the vital activity of certain microorganisms that oxidize the metal to hydroxide and receive carbon from carbon dioxide. Iron bacteria in a river, sea or any other body of water produce energy for their life cycle, and after its completion they settle in the soil in the form of swamp ore.
The role of iron in oceanic ecosystems is also significant. The main producers that absorb this metal are usually phytoplankton or cyanobacteria. Then, iron is absorbed by consumers when they eat these bacteria. The iron cycle in nature is an extremely complex process. It depends on many related factors: chemical reactions, habitat types and microbial groups. All this connects it with other equally important biogeochemical cycles of the Earth.
general characteristics
Iron in the form of various combined ores is one of the most common elements that make up about 5% of the earth's crust. The most important iron-containing minerals are oxides and sulfides (hematite, magnetite, goethite, pyrite, marcasite). This metal is also present in meteorites, on other planets and in the sun. Iron is found in both marine and fresh water.
Interesting Facts
Here are some interesting facts about such a seemingly simple chemical element:
- Iron is the most important building block for plant nutrition, which helps to carry oxygen in the blood, thereby supporting life on Earth.
- This is a brittle solid classified as a metal in group 8 in the periodic table of elements. In its pure form, it quickly corrodes from exposure to humid air and high temperatures.
- This is the fourth most common element of the earth's crust by weight, and most of the Earth’s core is believed to be composed of iron.
- Most of it is used for the production of steel - an alloy of iron and carbon, which, in turn, is used in the production and construction, for example, for the production of reinforced concrete.
- Stainless steel, containing at least 10.5% chromium, is highly resistant to corrosion. It is used in kitchen cutlery and utensils such as stainless steel pots.
- Adding other elements can provide new useful properties. For example, nickel increases the durability of the alloy and makes it more resistant to heat and acids.
Brief information about the element Fe
- The number of protons in the nucleus: 26.
- Atomic symbol: Fe.
- Average atomic mass: 55.845 g / mol.
- Density: 7.874 grams per cubic centimeter.
- Phase at room temperature: continuous.
- Melting point: 1538 0 C.
- Boiling point: 2861 0 C.
- Amount of isotopes: 33.
- Stable isotopes: 4.
Main applications
Iron is used in many sectors, such as electronics, manufacturing, automotive and construction. The following are the uses of iron:
- As the primary component of ferrous metals, alloys and steel.
- Alloy using carbon, nickel, chromium and various other elements to produce cast iron or steel.
- In the magnets.
- In finished metal products.
- In industrial equipment.
- In the transport equipment.
- In the tools.
- In toys and sporting goods.
Iron makes up 5% of the earth's crust and is one of the most common and most used metals. This element is also found in meat, potatoes and vegetables and is important for animals and people. This is an integral part of hemoglobin. The metal is grayish in appearance and very ductile and malleable. It is readily soluble in dilute acids and chemically active. The main areas of iron mining are China, Australia, Brazil, Russia and Ukraine.