Fe - Iron

Iron (Fe) is a metal that is crucial to industrial economies and is the core element used in steel-making. It’s one of the most abundant metals in the Earth’s crust and is characterized by its wide range of applications in various fields.

Physical Characteristics

• Symbol: Fe
• Atomic Number: 26
• Atomic Weight: Approximately 55.845
• State at Room Temperature: Solid
• Color: Silvery-gray to black
• Density: 7.874 g/cm³ at room temperature
• Melting Point: 1538°C (2800°F)

Applications

• Steel Production: The primary use of iron is in the production of steel, an alloy of iron and carbon (and other elements), which is a fundamental material in construction, automotive manufacturing, and machinery.
• Magnets: Due to its ferromagnetic properties, iron is used in the manufacturing of permanent magnets and electromagnets.
• Catalysis: Iron catalysts are essential in the chemical industry, notably in the Haber-Bosch process for ammonia production, which is critical for synthetic fertilizers.
• Pigments: Iron oxides are used as pigments (e.g., red ochre, yellow ochre) in paints, coatings, and concrete.

Main Compounds

• Iron Oxide (Fe2O3): Also known as hematite, this compound is one of the principal ores of iron and is used in the production of iron and steel. It’s also a common pigment.
• Iron(II) Oxide (FeO): Known as wüstite, FeO is used in various industrial applications, including as a component of magnetic storage materials.
• Iron(III) Chloride (FeCl3): Used in water treatment processes as a flocculant and in the electronics industry for etching copper.
• Iron Sulfide (FeS2): Pyrite, or fool’s gold, is mainly used in the production of sulfuric acid and sulfur dioxide.
• Ferrous Sulfate (FeSO4): This compound is used as a dietary supplement to treat iron-deficiency anemia and in water treatment as a reducing agent.

Basics on Iron-Wikipedia