Name: iron
Symbol: Fe
Atomic number: 26
Atomic weight: 55.845 (2)
Group in periodic table: 8
Group name:
Period in periodic table: 4
Block in periodic table: d-block
CAS registry ID: 7439-89-6
Iron is a relatively abundant element in the universe. It is found in the sun and many types of stars in considerable quantity. Iron nuclei are very stable. Iron is a vital constituent of plant and animal life, and is the key component of haemoglobin.
The pure metal is not often encountered in commerce, but is usually alloyed with carbon or other metals. The pure metal is very reactive chemically, and rapidly corrodes, especially in moist air or at elevated temperatures. Any car owner knows this. Iron metal is a silvery, lustrous metal which has important magnetic properties.