 |
| Name |
iron |
| Symbol |
Fe |
| Atomic Weight |
55.845 |
| Atomic Number |
26 |
| CAS ID |
7439-89-6 |
| Group Number |
8 |
| Group Name |
(none) |
| Period Number |
4 |
| Origin of Name |
Anglo-Saxon, iron; Latin, ferrum. |
| Year Discovered |
Prehistoric. |
| Discovery Credits |
Known to ancient civilizations. |
| Class |
Metallic |
| Color |
Lustrous, metallic, grayish
tinge |
| Standard State |
Solid at 77 F & 298 K |
| Description |
When pure, iron is lustrous, and soft (workable). Most
important of all metals, used principally as steel alloys. Rusts in damp air,
dissolves in dilute acids. Diagnostic tests:
The borax bead test in the oxidizing flame gives yellow to brownish red
color while hot and is colorless to yellow when cold. Reducing flame gives
a bottle green color.
A magnetic mass is obtained if the mineral is powdered, mixed with soda
(Na2CO3), and fused in a reducing flame (Note,
cobalt and nickel also yield magnetic masses).
In solution, iron will precipitate as Fe(OH)3 when excess
amounts of NH4OH are added.
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