The commonest iron-containing ore is haematite, but iron is found widely distributed in other minerals such as magnetite and taconite. Commercially, iron is produced by the reduction of haematite or magnetite with carbon in a furnace, the carbon being produced in situ by the burning of coke. Uses Iron is the most useful of all metals. It is also the cheapest available metal. The major proportion is used to manufacture steel, as carbon steel is an alloy of iron with carbon, with small amounts of other elements.
Alloy steels are carbon steels with other additives such as nickel and chromium.
Wrought iron is iron containing a very small amount of carbon, and is tough, malleable and less fusible than pure iron. It is hard, brittle, fairly fusible and is used to produce other alloys including steel. Biological Role Iron is an essential and non-toxic element. It is part of the active site of haemoglobin, and carries oxygen in the bloodstream. Insufficient iron in the blood is the cause of anaemia.