Uses of Iron

Iron is a metallic chemical element that is very common in our planet. It has many uses in different industries and even in the human body.


Iron has a chemical symbol of Fe. It is in a category of transition elements and is rarely found in pure form. Iron gets oxidized when it comes in contact with atmospheric oxygen. That’s why most of its ores that you can find in the surface of the earth are in the form of iron oxides.

The Metallic Iron

Iron is a strong metal that is not that expensive. It is fairly cheap that’ why it is commonly used in manufacturing machine tools, automobiles, hulls of large ships, machine parts, and even building parts. A good chunk of structures today are made of metallic iron.

Iron is also common in many different tools, surgical equipments, and appliances. Stainless steel is a common type of steel used in a host of different products. It is created when iron is combined with other metals. It is 100% recyclable and is used in aircrafts and automobiles. The use of stainless steel and iron in this form makes every thing in our world today working perfectly fine.

Iron Compounds

A combination of iron and other elements make up important products that are found very useful in a lot of ways.

Iron chloride is an important compound that is used in treating sewage systems. It is also used as dye for cloth. It is also used as a coloring agent for paints. It is also used as an additive in animal feed. It is also used in manufacturing printed circuit boards.

Iron sulfate, another iron compound, is also useful in many ways. It is used to treat anemia or iron deficiency. It is also used in treating sewage particles in water tanks.

Iron hydroxide is a compound that runs water purification systems employed in our kitchen sinks. It is very important in ensuring that the need for pure and clean water in the household is met efficiently.


There is also iron arsenate, another important compound, which can be found in insecticides. This makes for a very significant use in gardens of all forms. In such a form, it help prevents different types of pest attacks in plants.

Uses of Iron in our Surroundings

Iron is pretty common in our new world. It can be found everywhere. It is not only included in the makeup of different transport options. It is also included in many different products, items, and things that run our modern world.

The reason iron is used in many ways is because it has properties that can be changed according to the need of mankind by mixing it with other substances – either metallic or nonmetallic.

There are many different types of steels available today. Each type is made with iron combined with different elements including carbon, silicon, and nickel among others. Steel is an important component in every structure, in every type of construction. That’s why everywhere you go, everywhere you look, you will find iron at work.

Buildings, bridges, skyscrapers, and other types of construction would not be complete if it does not include iron in its framework. That’s the same thing with automobiles, aircrafts, ships, heavy carriers, and heavy machineries.

Uses at Home

The statement ‘iron is everywhere’ is true. It is not an understatement. It is a fact that you can find iron or a form of it, wherever you may be. Some may not be visible to the naked eye but still exists.

Iron is highly preferred due to the fact that it is cheap and that it is abundantly available in our surroundings.

Iron is also useful at home. It can be found in the kitchen, in your living room, in your bathroom – in every part of your home and in many products or items that run it.

Iron has a high resistance to rust formation. It also can be molded easily to create many forms. That’s why it is used in many products that you often see around the house.

Wrought iron, for example, is used in outdoor items that can beautify the yard and the patio. There are iron fences, arbors, trellis, and even the most decorative iron furnitures can be made of iron.

Cast iron is an important form that is used in manufacturing pots, pans, skillets, ovens, and trays. Cast iron has a heating element that is most appropriate for cookware, cooking items, and accessories.

Stainless steel, meanwhile, is used in kitchen cutlery, appliances, and cookware.

If you only look with your eyes wide open, you will realize that our life runs smoothly due to the conveniences that iron-made products provide. You will then understand how iron and its every form or component is important in our world.