Fe

Iron

Iron is the fourth most abundant element in Earth’s crust. It is the heaviest element that can be produced through nuclear fusion in the cores of massive stars. Elements heavier than iron can only be formed during the explosive deaths of these massive stars, called supernovae. 

Iron plays a vital role in our planet’s structure and protection. Earth’s core is primarily composed of iron, with the inner core being solid and the outer core being liquid. This unique composition of iron in earth’s core generates the planet’s magnetic field, which acts as a protective shield against harmful solar radiation.