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Iron vs. Ferrous Sulfate — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Published on October 30, 2023
Iron is a chemical element, while Ferrous Sulfate is a compound containing Iron and sulfur.
Iron vs. Ferrous Sulfate — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Iron and Ferrous Sulfate

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Key Differences

Iron is a chemical element represented by the symbol "Fe" and is essential in many biological processes. Ferrous Sulfate is a chemical compound comprised of Iron and sulfur, commonly used as a dietary supplement.
Iron is found naturally in the Earth's crust and is utilized in numerous industrial applications, from construction to the manufacturing of various products. In contrast, Ferrous Sulfate is specifically synthesized for specific uses, predominantly in the medical field for treating iron-deficiency anemia.
Iron plays a pivotal role in transporting oxygen in the bloodstream via hemoglobin. Ferrous Sulfate, on the other hand, is administered to increase the iron levels in individuals who might be deficient, thus aiding the production of red blood cells.
The term "Iron" often evokes images of robust metal structures, tools, and machinery due to its extensive use in industries. Meanwhile, Ferrous Sulfate is more frequently associated with its pale green or blue-green crystalline appearance, and its role as a medicinal supplement.
While Iron is a primary component in many of our daily-use products and the construction industry, Ferrous Sulfate is more niche, primarily utilized in the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors.
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Comparison Chart

Classification

Chemical Element
Chemical Compound

Symbol/Formula

Fe
FeSO₄

Natural Occurrence

Found in Earth's crust
Synthesized for specific uses

Primary Use

Construction, Manufacturing
Medicinal (iron deficiency treatment)

Association

Metal structures, tools
Pale green/blue-green crystals

Compare with Definitions

Iron

A chemical element with symbol Fe.
Steel contains a significant amount of Iron.

Ferrous Sulfate

Used in agriculture to correct iron deficiency in plants.
To treat the yellowing leaves, he added Ferrous Sulfate to the soil.

Iron

An essential component of hemoglobin in the blood.
Iron helps transport oxygen throughout the body.

Ferrous Sulfate

A compound used to treat iron-deficiency anemia.
The doctor prescribed Ferrous Sulfate for her low iron levels.

Iron

Symbolic of strength and durability.
Her will was as strong as Iron.

Ferrous Sulfate

A compound containing Iron and sulfur.
Ferrous Sulfate is often given in pill form.

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.

Ferrous Sulfate

It has a pale green or blue-green crystalline appearance.
In the lab, the students identified the compound by its distinct color.

Iron

An implement made of iron alloy or similar metal, especially a bar heated for use in branding, curling hair, or cauterizing.

Ferrous Sulfate

Also utilized in water treatment processes.
Ferrous Sulfate aids in the removal of contaminants from wastewater.

Iron

Great hardness or strength; firmness
A will of 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.

Iron

A metal appliance with a handle and a weighted flat bottom, used when heated to press wrinkles from fabric.

Iron

A harpoon.

Iron

Irons Fetters; shackles.

Iron

A tonic, pill, or other medication containing iron and taken as a dietary supplement.

Iron

Made of or containing iron
Iron bars.
An iron alloy.

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

(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 metal used in construction and manufacturing.
The Iron beams support the building's structure.

Iron

A material for creating tools and machinery.
The blacksmith crafted a tool from pure Iron.

Common Curiosities

What is Iron?

Iron is a chemical element with the symbol Fe, used extensively in industries and vital for many biological processes.

Is Iron the same as Ferrous Sulfate?

No, Iron is a chemical element, while Ferrous Sulfate is a compound containing Iron and sulfur.

How is Ferrous Sulfate related to Iron?

Ferrous Sulfate contains Iron in its composition and is used to supplement Iron in the body.

What are common uses of Iron?

Iron is commonly used in construction, manufacturing, and as an essential component of hemoglobin in blood.

What is Ferrous Sulfate?

Ferrous Sulfate is a chemical compound consisting of Iron and sulfur, primarily used to treat iron-deficiency anemia.

Is Ferrous Sulfate safe to consume?

Yes, when prescribed and taken as directed, but an overdose can be harmful.

Can you find Iron in everyday foods?

Yes, Iron is found in foods like red meat, beans, and fortified cereals.

Is Iron magnetic?

Yes, Iron is naturally magnetic.

What other compounds contain Iron?

Apart from Ferrous Sulfate, other compounds like Ferric Chloride and Ferrous Oxide also contain Iron.

Why is Iron important for the human body?

Iron is crucial for transporting oxygen in the bloodstream via hemoglobin.

Can Ferrous Sulfate be found naturally?

No, Ferrous Sulfate is typically synthesized for specific medicinal and agricultural uses.

Why might someone take Ferrous Sulfate?

People might take Ferrous Sulfate to treat or prevent iron-deficiency anemia.

How does Ferrous Sulfate appear in its pure form?

Ferrous Sulfate has a pale green or blue-green crystalline appearance.

How can Iron deficiency impact the body?

Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, fatigue, and decreased immune function.

Why is Ferrous Sulfate added to the soil in agriculture?

It is added to correct iron deficiency in plants, helping them grow healthily.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba 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.
Co-written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

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