Are we living on an enormous lump of iron?

              Yes, we are living on a huge mass of iron, the Earth! In fact, the centre of the Earth is almost all iron. The surface of the earth is also rich in this element. Due to its abundance, the metal is used widely for a host of utilities. From steel in the hulls of ships, and cast iron in pipes, to stainless steel in cutlery and wrought iron in gates, this element is the main ingredient contained in most objects you see and use every day.

              Iron is a heavy metal. At the same time, it is pliable too. Grayish in appearance, it is the most used of all elements, because it is extremely hard and strong.

              It is one of the most useful elements in our body. Iron is necessary throughout our body, and is especially essential to our blood. Through blood vessels, iron atoms carry oxygen from lungs to our heart and brain. They also take carbon dioxide back to our lungs to be blown out. Iron is stored in our blood cells, liver and other tissues. Its atomic number is 26, and the symbol is Fe.