Iron Element Cube

Iron's atomic number is 26 and its symbol is Fe. Iron is the most abundant element on earth by mass. Despite its abundance, humans didn't start using it until about 2000 BCE. The ability for humans to use iron led to massive leaps in innovation. Currently, iron is commonly used by itself as well as in alloys such as steel. Pure iron quickly tarnishes in the presence of oxygen creating the familiar brownish-red oxide we call rust. Iron is one of only three elements that are naturally magnetic along with cobalt and nickel. Iron is also required for life. The average adult has about 4 grams of iron in their bodies, primarily in hemoglobin and catalase.   Although it's estimated by scientists that it took humans 200,000 years to first get their hands on semi pure iron, you can get your hands on this pure sample with a lot less trouble while having the added benefit of it being displayed beautifully for all to see.