Fun facts about the element Iron (Fe).
🌎 From Outer Space to Earth’s Core
- It Has an “Alien” Origin: The very first iron used by ancient civilizations, dating back to around 3500 BC, came from meteorites. This “sky iron” was hammered into tools and ornaments long before humans learned to smelt it from ore.
- It Rains Iron on Another Planet: Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet, Wasp-76b, so hot that it’s believed to rain molten iron.
- We Live on a Giant Iron Ball: Iron is the single most common element on Earth by mass. Our planet’s inner core are thought to be made most of iron, which is what generates Earth’s magnetic field.
🧬 Its Role in Life
- You Are Part Iron: The average adult human body contains about 4 grams of iron—enough to make a small nail.
- It’s Why Your Blood is Red: About 70% of your body’s iron is in your red blood cells, in a protein called hemoglobin. The iron atom at its center is what binds to oxygen in your lungs and carries it to every cell in your body.
- It Gives Veggies Their Color: Iron is also essential for plants. It’s a key component in producing chlorophyll, the green pigment that helps plants obtain energy from sunlight.
🏛️ History, Language, and Culture
- A Whole Age is Named After It: The “Iron Age” (starting around 1200 BC) is the historical period when iron tools and weapons became widespread.
- The Eiffel Tower is (Mostly) Iron: The iconic Paris landmark is made of puddled iron, a type of wrought iron.
✨ Other Cool Facts
- Rust is “Fluffy”: Unlike some metals that form a protective oxide layer, iron’s rust (iron oxide) actually expands and takes up more volume than the original metal. This is why it flakes off, exposing fresh metal underneath to rust even more.
- Sparks in Fireworks: The bright, branching sparks you see in fireworks and from a grinder’s wheel are often small pieces of burning iron (or steel).