How the evolution of oxygen fundamentally changed Earth's chemistry
In short: Watch how the emergence of oxygen transformed iron from a raw element into the oxides we mine today. This video explains the chemical transition that shaped our planet's geology and the industrial methods used to reverse it.
The presence of iron in Earth's crust was altered by the evolution of plants, which began releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Over millions of years, this reactive gas combined with iron to form oxides. Today, we primarily extract iron from haematite, a compound known as iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3).
To isolate pure iron, scientists use carbon because it is more reactive than iron and remains inexpensive. While charcoal was the primary carbon source before the 18th century—leading to significant European deforestation—the industrial shift to coke (carbon derived from coal) marked a major breakthrough in production.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Extraction Using Heat | Environment Chemistry | Chemistry | FuseSchool
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