Iron | Name | Iron | | Symbol | Fe | | Atomic Number | 26 | | Atomic Mass | 55.845 atomic mass units | | Number of Protons | 26 | | Number of Neutrons | 30 | | Number of Electrons | 26 | | Melting Point | 1535.0° C | | Boiling Point | 2750.0° C | | Density | 7.86 grams per cubic centimeter | | Normal Phase | Solid | | Family | Transition Metal | | Period | 4 | | Cost | Unknown | | Origin of Name | From the Anglo-Saxon word iren, and the symbol from the Latin word ferrum, meaning iron. It could have possibly come from earlier words meaning "holy metal" because it was used to make swords in the Crusades. | | Date and Place of Discovery | The first mention of iron can be found in Genesis 4:22: "Tubal-Cain, seven generations from Adam, was an instructor of every artificer in brass and iron." | | Discovered by | Known to the ancients | | Common Compounds | - Iron Fluoride (FeF3)
- Iron Chloride (FeCl3)
- Iron Bromide (FeBr3)
- Iron Oxide (Fe2O3)
- Iron Sulphide (FeS)
| | Interesting facts | - Iron is present in every cell in the body, but of it is found in the hemoglobin or myoglobin.
- It is a very important dietary requirement. Without enough iron in your body, you can become anemic.
| | Common Uses | - Cast iron for ovens and engine cylinder blocks
- Galvanized iron for roofing, automobile bodies and boats
- Steel for buildings, machinery, cans and containers, and appliances.
- Stainless steel for cutlery, hospital equipment, and jewelry
- Tool steel for drill bits and cutting implements.
| | Photo Courtesy of About.com Australia Government: Geoscience Chemistry: WebElements MayoClinic. com Wikipedia | | Iron Atomic Structure | Elements by Name | Elements by Number | Home | |
