Classes of metals Ferrous and non-ferrous metals Other way of classifying metals is by their content, and one common splitting up is into ferrous metals and non-ferrous metals. The word ferrous is originated from the Latin “Ferrum” which means “containing iron”, thus ferrous metals contain iron and non ferrous metals do not. Ferrous metals may be clean iron, like wrought iron, or they may be alloys of iron and other elements. In metal identification the Steel, being an alloy of iron and carbon, would therefore be a ferrous metal. Ferrous metals are frequently magnetic, but this property is not in and of itself sufficient to classify a metal as ferrous or non-ferrous. Austenitic stainless steel, a ferrous metal, is non-magnetic, while cobalt is magnetic but non-ferrous.

However since ferrous metals are relevant in metal identification, the most common magnetic materials, magnets are commonly used to separate them from non-ferrous metals and other materials. Common ferrous metals include the a variety of irons and steels. Common non-ferrous metals include aluminum, tin, copper, zinc, and brass, an alloy of copper and zinc. Some precious metals such as silver, gold, and platinum are also non-ferrous. In metal identification Iron is one of the most common, making up about 5% of the Earth’s crust. the largest part of this iron is found in various iron oxides, such as the minerals hematite, magnetite, and taconite. The earth’s core is understood to consist largely of a metallic iron-nickel alloy. About 5% of the meteorites similarly consist of iron-nickel alloy.

Precautions Extreme iron is toxic to humans, because excess ferrous iron reacts with peroxides in the body, producing free radicals. Iron becomes toxic when it exceeds the amount of transferring needed to bind free iron. In excess, uncontrollable quantities of free radicals are created. Iron uptake is tightly keeping up by the human body, which has no physiologic means of excreting iron and regulates iron solely by regulating uptake. However, too much ingested iron can damage the cells of the gastrointestinal tract directly, and may enter the bloodstream by harmful to the cells that would otherwise regulate its entry. Once there, it causes harm to cells in the heart, liver and elsewhere. This can cause serious problems, including the potential of death from overdose, and long-term organ damage in survivors. As Human experience iron toxicity above 20 milligrams of iron for every kilogram of weight, and 60 milligrams per kilogram is a lethal dose.[11] Over-consumption of iron, often the result of children eating large quantities of ferrous sulfate tablets intended for adult use, is the most common toxicological cause of death in children under six. The DRI lists the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for adults as 45 mg/day. For children under fourteen years old the UL is 40 mg/day. The risk off iron intake is too much in the context of a genetic predisposition iron overload disorders can occasionally result, such as hemochromatosis. This has been mapped to the HLA-H gene region on chromosome 6. Iron overload disorders require a genetic inability to regulate iron uptake; however, many people have a genetic inclination to iron overload without realizing it and without knowing a family history of the problem. For this reason, people should not take iron supplements unless they suffer from iron shortage and have consulted a doctor. Blood donors are at special risk of low iron levels and are often advised to supplement their iron intake.