Metals & Alloys · common
Iron
Iron is a gray metallic element and the base metal for steel. In everyday scans it may appear as wrought iron, cast iron, raw metal, hardware, tools, or rusty objects.
Also known as: Cast iron, Wrought iron, Ferrous metal, Rusty iron.
Iron properties at a glance
| Type | Metals & Alloys |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | Fe |
| Mohs hardness | 4 |
| Luster | metallic |
| Streak | Gray to dark gray |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Ductile to uneven |
| Specific gravity | 7.87 |
| Transparency | opaque |
| Common colors | Silver-gray, Dark gray, Rust brown |
| Rarity | common |
Geology & background
Iron is smelted from iron ores such as hematite and magnetite, then cast, forged, rolled, or alloyed into useful forms.
Iron and steel reshaped tools, buildings, transportation, weapons, and machinery after ironworking became widespread.
How to identify Iron
- Look for gray metal, darkened wear, or orange-brown rust.
- Iron and many iron alloys are magnetic.
- Rust texture can appear powdery, flaky, or rough.
- Common objects include tools, nails, hardware, cookware, and structural parts.
Full Iron identification guide: checklist, home tests and look-alikes →
Iron vs similar stones
Not sure it isn't something else? Side-by-side comparisons with the stones most often confused with Iron.
Where Iron is found
Iron is manufactured, refined, recycled, or traded worldwide; verify grade, purity, and origin from markings, documentation, or provenance when available.
How much is Iron worth?
| Entry-level specimen | $1 |
|---|---|
| Typical collector specimen | $10 |
| Premium specimen | $100+ |
Value depends mostly on the object, purity or alloy grade, weight, brand, condition, markings, and whether it is jewelry, hardware, a coin, a tool, or a raw material sample.
Common uses
- Tools
- Hardware
- Construction
- Machinery
- Steelmaking
Interesting facts
- Iron commonly rusts orange-brown when exposed to oxygen and moisture.
- Most everyday steel is iron alloyed with carbon and other elements.
- Iron is magnetic in many common forms.
Care & safety
Iron can scratch, dent, tarnish, corrode, or lose its surface finish depending on the alloy, coating, and use wear.
Check sharp edges. Manufactured metal objects can have sharp edges, burrs, broken points, or worn plating; handle damaged pieces carefully.
Iron FAQ
What is Iron?
Iron is a gray metallic element and the base metal for steel. In everyday scans it may appear as wrought iron, cast iron, raw metal, hardware, tools, or rusty objects.
How much is Iron worth?
Entry-level Iron specimens sell for around $1, a typical collector specimen for about $10, and premium pieces for $100 or more. Value depends mostly on the object, purity or alloy grade, weight, brand, condition, markings, and whether it is jewelry, hardware, a coin, a tool, or a raw material sample.
How hard is Iron?
Iron has a Mohs hardness of 4. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
What is Iron used for?
Iron is used for tools, hardware, construction, machinery, and steelmaking.
