Iron ::
Iron (n.) The most
common and most
useful metallic element, being of
almost universal occurrence, usually in the form of an oxide (as
hematite, magnetite, etc.), or a
hydrous oxide (as
limonite, turgite, etc.). It is
reduced on an
enormous scale in three
principal forms; viz., cast iron,
steel, and
wrought iron. Iron
usually appears dark
brown, from
oxidation or
impurity, but when pure, or on a fresh
surface, is a gray or white
metal. It is
easily oxidized (rusted) by
moisture, and is
attacked b