Is iron a mineral
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Is Iron a Mineral?
Iron as an Element and Its Abundance
Iron is one of the most abundant elements in the universe and plays a crucial role in various geological and biological processes. It forms the core of our planet and is a major component of the Earth's crust, existing in numerous mineral phases, both crystalline and amorphous1.
Iron-Bearing Minerals
Types of Iron Minerals
Iron is found in a variety of minerals, which can be broadly categorized into iron oxides and iron sulfides. Common iron oxide minerals include magnetite, hematite, and goethite, while iron sulfide minerals include pyrite and pyrrhotite3. These minerals are significant in various environmental and industrial processes, including pollutant degradation and biogeochemical cycling3 6.
Formation and Occurrence
Iron minerals can form through both biotic and abiotic processes. For instance, bacterial activity can induce the precipitation of iron minerals in aquatic environments, leading to the formation of biogenic iron oxides2 7. These processes are integral to the cycling of iron in the Earth's crust and can occur in diverse environments such as freshwater, marine systems, and soils7.
Iron in Biological Systems
Iron Storage in Ferritin
In biological systems, iron is stored in the protein ferritin, which can form various types of iron minerals depending on the tissue environment. These minerals, such as magnetite and hematite, are crucial for maintaining iron homeostasis in the body and can influence cellular functions4 5. Ferritin's ability to store iron as a mineral highlights the intersection of biological and mineralogical aspects of iron5.
Health Implications
The presence of iron minerals in human tissues is linked to various health conditions. For example, the accumulation of iron oxides in the brain is associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's4. Understanding the formation and regulation of these minerals is essential for elucidating their role in disease development4.
Environmental Applications
Iron-Based Catalysts
Natural iron-based minerals are increasingly used as catalysts in environmental applications, such as the activation of peroxide for pollutant degradation in wastewater treatment. These minerals are preferred over synthetic alternatives due to their availability, cost-effectiveness, and lower environmental impact3.
Mixed-Valent Iron Minerals
Mixed-valent iron minerals, such as magnetite and green rust, are particularly important in environmental remediation. They play a significant role in the redox transformation of pollutants and are actively researched for their properties and applications in various environmental fields6.
Conclusion
Iron is not just an element but also a fundamental component of numerous minerals that play vital roles in both geological and biological systems. From its presence in the Earth's crust to its storage in biological tissues, iron's mineral forms are integral to many processes that sustain life and influence environmental health. Understanding these iron-bearing minerals and their applications can provide valuable insights into both natural and engineered systems.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Iron from a geochemical viewpoint. Understanding toxicity/pathogenicity mechanisms in iron-bearing minerals with a special attention to mineral fibers.
Crystal chemistry and surface chemistry are crucial for understanding the toxicity mechanisms of iron-bearing toxic minerals, which can lead to carcinogenesis.
Diversity of bacterial iron mineralization
Bacteria can produce a variety of iron minerals, driving modern and ancient geochemical cycles by binding metals to cell walls and releasing waste products that stimulate mineralization.
Highly CitedCritical review of natural iron-based minerals used as heterogeneous catalysts in peroxide activation processes: Characteristics, applications and mechanisms.
Natural iron-based minerals show promise as catalysts in peroxide activation processes for wastewater treatment, offering a more affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic iron-based materials.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedIron–oxide minerals in the human tissues
Ferritin plays a key role in regulating body iron homeostasis and forming various types of iron oxides, which can affect cells and lead to diseases like Alzheimer's disease.
Mineralization in ferritin: an efficient means of iron storage.
Ferritins efficiently store iron as a hydrous ferric oxide nanoparticle, minimizing harmful H(2)O(2) production and facilitating mineralization.
Highly CitedMagnetite and Green Rust: Synthesis, Properties, and Environmental Applications of Mixed-Valent Iron Minerals.
Magnetite and green rust play crucial roles in biogeochemical cycling of metals and organic carbon, and their properties and applications impact environmental remediation strategies.
Highly CitedFormation and occurrence of biogenic iron-rich minerals
Biogenic iron oxides form in various environments on Earth, including present-day environments and ancient geological formations, and may serve as a tool in the search for past and present life.
Highly CitedMicromotors for active delivery of minerals toward the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.
Micromotor-based active delivery of mineral supplements can effectively replenish iron and selenium stores in anemic mice, with no toxicity observed after 30 days of treatment.
Role of clay minerals in the transportation of iron
Clay minerals play a crucial role in iron transport and stabilization, with bacterial activity necessary for maintaining reducing conditions in environments studied.
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