The Geobiochemical Cycle of Iron

Abstract

Among the most important factors governing the geochemical behavior of Fe are the following: a) the relatively high abundance of this element; b) the fact that it can form stable compounds in both the divalent and trivalent states (and change its valence depending on extraneous conditions); c) the resemblances of the ionic radii of Fe in these oxidation states to those of other major elements; d) its affinity (in the earth's crust) for both the lithophile and chalcophile groups; and e) its inclination to form insoluble hydrolysates.