Iron is simply a metal element that occurs naturally on Earth. The primary difference between iron and steel is that the former is a metal, whereas the latter is an alloy. You don’t need to consume steel as part of your diet.
And unlike iron, steel isn’t an essential mineral. Steel, for example, is both harder and stronger than pure iron. Although that’s a relatively small amount of carbon, it results in significant physical changes. By weight, steel contains about 2.14% carbon. The addition of carbon is what distinguishes iron from steel. But you won’t find steel anywhere in Earth’s outer or inner core, as it’s a man-made alloy that requires mixing iron and carbon.Īll steel contains iron, but it also contains carbon. In fact, it’s the most abundant element on Earth. You can find iron naturally as an element. Metals occur naturally as an element, whereas alloys consist of multiple mixed elements and components that aren’t found naturally as an element. While it exhibits similar properties as metals, it’s technically classified as an alloy. It is the fourth most common element in the Earth’s crust. It is by mass the most common element on Earth, forming much of Earth’s outer and inner core. It is a metal in the first transition series. Many people assume that steel is a metal, but this isn’t necessarily true. Iron is a chemical element with symbol Fe and atomic number 26. Steel, on the other hand, is a ferrous alloy consisting primarily of iron and carbon. Food sources rich in iron include beef, chicken, oysters, beans, lentils, fish, vegetables, bread and fortified cereals.
If you don’t consume enough iron in your diet, your body won’t be able to make a sufficient amount of red blood cells, resulting in a medical condition known as iron deficiency anemia. The essentially mineral acts as a catalyst for the production of hemoglobin, which is a main component of red blood cells. When consumed, iron supplies the human body with nutrients needed to make hemoglobin. Like vitamins, essential minerals are needed for proper nutrition. It’s important to note that iron is an essential mineral. Iron is also a ferromagnetic metal, meaning it’s magnetic and attracts other ferromagnetic metals. It has a chrome-colored appearance that reflects a significant amount of light. Iron is a lustrous and ductile metal with the atomic number 26. While iron and steel look similar, though, they are two unique materials with their own respective characteristics and qualities. They are used to make a wide range of products and components. Steel and iron are two of the most common materials used in the manufacturing industry.