Iron vs. Cast Iron — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on December 5, 2023
Iron is a pure metallic element, while cast iron is an alloy made primarily of iron with high carbon content.
Difference Between Iron and Cast Iron
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Iron is a chemical element with the symbol "Fe" and atomic number 26, making it one of the base metals found on the periodic table. On the other hand, Cast Iron is an alloy, primarily composed of iron, but with a high percentage of carbon, typically ranging from 2% to 4%. While iron is a pure element, cast iron represents a blend of elements and compounds, tailored for specific applications.
When it comes to malleability and ductility, Iron in its pure form is soft and can be easily shaped or drawn into wires. In contrast, Cast Iron is known for its brittleness, which means it can break or shatter if subjected to a sudden impact or when trying to stretch it. The higher carbon content in cast iron contributes to this brittle nature, distinguishing it from the more malleable pure iron.
Iron, in its unalloyed state, has a relatively high melting point, making it a challenge to work with in certain applications. However, the addition of carbon in Cast Iron lowers its melting point, allowing it to be easily cast into various shapes and forms. This characteristic is why cast iron gets its name, as it's particularly suitable for casting into molds to create intricate designs.
Corrosion resistance is another area where Iron and Cast Iron differ. Pure iron is prone to rusting when exposed to moist or humid conditions. Cast Iron, while still susceptible to rust, can exhibit enhanced resistance to corrosion, especially when certain elements like silicon are present. This doesn't make cast iron rust-proof, but with proper seasoning, especially in cookware, it can develop a protective layer that minimizes rust formation.
In terms of applications, Iron in its pure form has limited direct uses due to its soft nature but serves as a primary feedstock for steelmaking. Cast Iron, with its ability to be cast easily, finds applications in various products like engine blocks, pipes, and cookware. The strength and durability of cast iron, combined with its casting ease, make it a choice material for components requiring complex shapes and long-lasting performance.
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Comparison Chart
Composition
Pure metallic element.
Alloy of iron with high carbon content.
Characteristics
Magnetic, malleable, and ductile.
Brittle, excellent heat retention.
Use in Cookware
Less common as cookware on its own.
Commonly used due to even heating and heat retention properties.
Found in Nature
Yes, as iron ore.
No, it is man-made.
Relation to Steel
Used in producing steel.
Contains more carbon than steel and is not as malleable.
Compare with Definitions
Iron
A chemical element with symbol Fe.
Iron is essential for our blood's hemoglobin.
Cast Iron
A material known for its heat retention.
She seared the steak in a cast iron pan.
Iron
A metallic material that can be magnetized.
The iron rod was attracted to the magnet.
Cast Iron
An iron alloy with high carbon content.
Cast iron skillets retain heat excellently.
Iron
A golf club used for distance shots.
He chose a seven iron for the shot.
Cast Iron
A brittle form of iron.
Although strong, cast iron can break if dropped.
Iron
Symbol Fe A silvery-white, lustrous, malleable, ductile, magnetic or magnetizable, metallic element occurring abundantly in combined forms, notably in hematite, limonite, magnetite, and taconite, and used alloyed in a wide range of important structural materials. Atomic number 26; atomic weight 55.845; melting point 1,538°C; boiling point 2,861°C; specific gravity 7.874 (at 20°C); valence 2, 3, 4, 6. See Periodic Table.
Cast Iron
Cookware that can impart dietary iron.
Cooking acidic foods in cast iron can boost iron content.
Iron
An implement made of iron alloy or similar metal, especially a bar heated for use in branding, curling hair, or cauterizing.
Cast Iron
Requires seasoning to prevent rusting.
It's important to season your cast iron pan for longevity.
Iron
Great hardness or strength; firmness
A will of iron.
Cast Iron
Made of cast iron.
Iron
(Sports) Any of a series of golf clubs having a bladelike metal head and numbered from one to nine in order of increasing loft.
Cast Iron
Rigid; inflexible
A cast-iron rule.
Iron
A metal appliance with a handle and a weighted flat bottom, used when heated to press wrinkles from fabric.
Cast Iron
Exceptionally strong or resistant
A cast-iron stomach.
Iron
A harpoon.
Cast Iron
Alternative spelling of cast iron
Iron
Irons Fetters; shackles.
Cast Iron
Alternative spelling of cast iron
Iron
A tonic, pill, or other medication containing iron and taken as a dietary supplement.
Cast Iron
Made of cast iron. Hence, Fig.: like cast iron; hardy; unyielding.
Iron
Made of or containing iron
Iron bars.
An iron alloy.
Cast Iron
Extremely robust;
An iron constitution
Iron
Strong, healthy, and capable of great endurance
An iron constitution.
Iron
Inflexible; unyielding
Iron resolve.
Iron
Holding tightly; very firm
Has an iron grip.
Iron
To press and smooth with a heated iron
Iron clothes.
Iron
To remove (creases) by pressing.
Iron
To put into irons; fetter.
Iron
To fit or clad with iron.
Iron
To iron clothes.
Iron
(uncountable) A common, inexpensive metal, silvery grey when untarnished, that rusts, is attracted by magnets, and is used in making steel.
Iron
A metallic chemical element having atomic number 26 and symbol Fe.
Iron
Any material, not a steel, predominantly made of elemental iron.
Wrought iron, ductile iron, cast iron, pig iron, gray iron
Iron
(countable) A tool or appliance made of metal, which is heated and then used to transfer heat to something else; most often a thick piece of metal fitted with a handle and having a flat, roughly triangular bottom, which is heated and used to press wrinkles from clothing, and now usually containing an electrical heating apparatus.
Iron
(usually plural, irons) shackles.
Iron
(slang) A firearm, either a long gun or a handgun.
Iron
(uncountable) A dark shade of the color silver.
Iron
A male homosexual.
Iron
(golf) A golf club used for middle-distance shots.
Iron
Used as a symbol of great strength or toughness, or to signify a very strong or tough material.
A will of iron
He appeared easygoing, but inside he was pure iron.
Iron
(weightlifting) Weight used as resistance for the purpose of strength training.
He lifts iron on the weekends.
Iron
A meteorite consisting primarily of metallic iron (mixed with a small amount of nickel), as opposed to one composed mainly of stony material.
Irons and stony irons can be much larger than stony meteorites and are much more visually striking, but make up only a few percent of all meteorites.
Iron
A safety curtain in a theatre.
Iron
Dumb bombs, those without guidance systems.
Iron
(not comparable) Made of the metal iron.
Iron
(figuratively) Strong as of will, inflexible.
She had an iron will.
He held on with an iron grip.
An iron constitution
Iron men
Iron
(transitive) To pass an iron over (clothing or some other item made of cloth) in order to remove creases.
Iron
To shackle with irons; to fetter or handcuff.
Iron
(transitive) To furnish or arm with iron.
To iron a wagon
Iron
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 by many corrosive agents. Symbol Fe (Latin Ferrum). Atomic number 26, atomic weight 55.847. Specific gravity, pure iron, 7.86; cast iron, 7.1. In magnetic properties, it is superior to all other substances.
Iron
An instrument or utensil made of iron; - chiefly in composition; as, a flatiron, a smoothing iron, etc.
My young soldier, put up your iron.
Iron
Fetters; chains; handcuffs; manacles.
Four of the sufferers were left to rot in irons.
Iron
Strength; power; firmness; inflexibility; as, to rule with a rod of iron.
Iron
An iron-headed club with a deep face, chiefly used in making approaches, lifting a ball over hazards, etc.
Iron
Of, or made of iron; consisting of iron; as, an iron bar, dust.
Iron
Resembling iron in color; as, iron blackness.
Iron
Like iron in hardness, strength, impenetrability, power of endurance, insensibility, etc.;
Iron
Rude; hard; harsh; severe.
Iron years of wars and dangers.
Jove crushed the nations with an iron rod.
Iron
Firm; robust; enduring; as, an iron constitution.
Iron
Inflexible; unrelenting; as, an iron will.
Iron
Not to be broken; holding or binding fast; tenacious.
Iron
To smooth with an instrument of iron; especially, to smooth, as cloth, with a heated flatiron; - sometimes used with out.
Iron
To shackle with irons; to fetter or handcuff.
Iron
To furnish or arm with iron; as, to iron a wagon.
Iron
A heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
Iron
A golf club that has a relatively narrow metal head
Iron
Metal shackles; for hands or legs
Iron
Implement used to brand live stock
Iron
Home appliance consisting of a flat metal base that is heated and used to smooth cloth
Iron
Press and smooth with a heated iron;
Press your shirts
Iron
Extremely robust;
An iron constitution
Iron
A tool used to press clothes.
She plugged in the iron to press her shirt.
Iron
Signifies strength or resilience.
He has an iron will.
Common Curiosities
What is iron?
Iron is a pure metallic element with the symbol Fe.
How does cast iron differ from pure iron?
Cast iron is an alloy made primarily of iron with a high carbon content, making it more brittle.
Can you cook with pure iron?
While possible, cast iron is more commonly used due to its heat retention properties.
Is iron magnetic?
Yes, iron displays magnetic properties.
Is iron found in our bodies?
Yes, iron is a key component in hemoglobin in our blood.
Is steel related to iron?
Yes, steel is an alloy made from iron and carbon, with less carbon than cast iron.
Why is cast iron brittle?
The high carbon content in cast iron increases its brittleness.
What is cast iron commonly used for?
Cast iron is popular for cookware like skillets and dutch ovens.
Is cast iron heavy?
Yes, cast iron cookware is generally heavier than other materials.
Can cast iron break?
Although it's strong, cast iron is brittle and can break if dropped.
Can cast iron rust?
Yes, if not properly seasoned or if exposed to moisture, cast iron can rust.
Why is seasoning cast iron important?
Seasoning protects cast iron from rusting and creates a non-stick surface.
Why do some chefs prefer cast iron?
Cast iron provides even heating and retains heat well, making it ideal for searing and other cooking methods.
Can food cooked in cast iron taste metallic?
Sometimes, especially acidic foods can react with cast iron, imparting a metallic taste.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
