Iron
Iron is a gray metallic element and the base metal for steel. In everyday scans it may appear as wrought iron, cast iron, raw metal, hardware, tools, or rusty objects.
Iron properties at a glance
| Type | Metals & Alloys |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | Fe |
| Mohs hardness | 4 |
| Luster | metallic |
| Streak | Gray to dark gray |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Ductile to uneven |
| Specific gravity | 7.87 |
| Transparency | opaque |
| Common colors | Silver-gray, Dark gray, Rust brown |
| Rarity | common |
Geology & background
Iron is smelted from iron ores such as hematite and magnetite, then cast, forged, rolled, or alloyed into useful forms.
Iron and steel reshaped tools, buildings, transportation, weapons, and machinery after ironworking became widespread.
How to identify Iron
- Look for gray metal, darkened wear, or orange-brown rust.
- Iron and many iron alloys are magnetic.
- Rust texture can appear powdery, flaky, or rough.
- Common objects include tools, nails, hardware, cookware, and structural parts.
Where Iron is found
Iron is manufactured, refined, recycled, or traded worldwide; verify grade, purity, and origin from markings, documentation, or provenance when available.
How much is Iron worth?
| Entry-level specimen | $1 |
|---|---|
| Typical collector specimen | $10 |
| Premium specimen | $100+ |
Value depends mostly on the object, purity or alloy grade, weight, brand, condition, markings, and whether it is jewelry, hardware, a coin, a tool, or a raw material sample.
Common uses
- Tools
- Hardware
- Construction
- Machinery
- Steelmaking
Interesting facts
- Iron commonly rusts orange-brown when exposed to oxygen and moisture.
- Most everyday steel is iron alloyed with carbon and other elements.
- Iron is magnetic in many common forms.
Care & safety
Iron can scratch, dent, tarnish, corrode, or lose its surface finish depending on the alloy, coating, and use wear.
Check sharp edges. Manufactured metal objects can have sharp edges, burrs, broken points, or worn plating; handle damaged pieces carefully.
