Iron

= Iron by JR and Patrick = toc = The history of the element = Iron was first discovered around 2000 BC in the south west part of south central Asia. This discovery then ends the bronze age and begins the iron age. Iron was the basis for material for the next 3000 years in Asia, Africa and Europe. Iron is the 4th most abundant element and makes up 5% of earths crust. Iron ore is an oxide of iron, since it contains oxygen. Different amounts of silicon, sulfur, manganese and phosphorus can be found in iron. When ironore is heated to extract iron it absorbs .02 to .08% of carbon, from the charcoal, just enough to make the iron tough and malleable.This type of iron was called pig iron. = Irons Economic Importance = Iron is part of a mineral group called the silicate group. This is the largest group of minerals. It includes other element such as aluminum, magnesium, and calcium. When mined from large sites, iron can be found in the from of iron ore. Iron ore is economically important because it is extracted and then sent to smelting factories. In the smelting factories the iron ore is heated and added with a chemical reducing agent such as carbon. This process then leaves steel. Steel can be used for everything, from passenger cars to your everyday ruler. There are many [|uses of steel]. = Iron in the Environment = When iron was discovered in the U.S. in Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin, it was close to the surface in Precambrian banded iron ore. In 1944 at the climax of World War II, there were almost 150 natural ore mines operating in Minnesota and Michigan. In that year(1944) Both of these two states had moved 65.5 million metric tons of crude ore to consumers and another 23.9 million metric tons of ore to the beneficiation plants. These plants removed the impurities from the ore to make it pure. Iron makes up about 5% of the earths surface. In the environment iron can be found in two types, ferrous, Fe+2 and ferric, Fe+3. Iron will convert to ferric when air is present. This is why iron in water may not be seen at first but when exposed to air it will turn brownish yellow. High amounts of iron in water sources can cause discoloration in laundry stains on dishes and and bitter tastes in beverages. Pennsylvania was also a main leader in iron ore extraction. = Health = Iron helps the body by doing the Iron deficiencies can happen to anybody, women more likely than men, especially during the child bearing years. People suffering from iron deficiencies are more susceptible to infection. Side affects of iron deficiencies include feeling weak or tired, lack of stamina, difficulties maintaining body temperature, breathlessness, headaches and loss of appetite. Every year there are around 137 thousand deaths world wide. Another name for iron deficiency disease is anemia. Iron rich foods benefit the body. Some iron rich food include shellfish such as clams, mussels, and oysters. Also any time of liver, beef, pork or chicken liver is beneficial.
 * Formation of enzymes and hemoglobin
 * Transporting oxygen in blood to parts of the body
 * Metabolic reactions and cell growth
 * Immune system activity
 * Proper functioning of the liver

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= Chemistry of Iron  = Iron has an atomic number of 26, its symbol is Fe after the Latin name Ferrum. Iron has an atomic weight of 55.847. Iron has 14 isotopes, common iron consists of 4 isotopes. Iron has a melting point of 1535 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 2750 degrees Celsius. Iron is the most abundant element on earth. Iron is classified as a transition metal.

Interesting Facts about iron: In India the extraction process had been mastered before all others. The Iron Pillar of Delhi had not corroded or rusted for almost 1600 years. Bibliography:
 * Spoerl, Joseph. "A Brief History of Iron and Steel Manufacture." //Saint Anselm College Home Page : Saint Anselm College// . N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2011. 
 * "Iron - importance for health." //Healthy Vitamin Choice: Quality information, people who care//. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2011. .
 * "Iron: History." //Nautilus Home Page//. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2011. 
 * Kuck, Peter. "USGS Minerals Infromation: Statistical Compendium - IRON ORE."//USGS Mineral Resources Program//. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2011. 
 * Robinson, Alan. "Environment, Energy and Forestry: Iron." //Prince Edward Island: Home Page//. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2011. 