Iron and its role as soul of life on Earth is addressed in this review as iron is one of the most abundant elements of our universe, forms the core of our planet and that of telluric (i.e., Earth-like) planets, is a major element of the Earth's crust and is hosted in an endless number of mineral phases, both crystalline and amorphous. To study iron at an atomic level inside the bulk of mineral phases or at its surface, where it is more reactive, both spectroscopy and diffraction experimental methods can be used, taking advantage of nearly the whole spectrum of electromagnetic waves. These methods can be successfully combined to microscopy to simultaneously provide chemical (e.g. iron mapping) and morphological information on mineral particles, and shed light on the interaction of mineral surfaces with organic matter. This review describes the crystal chemistry of iron-bearing minerals of importance for the environment and human health, with special attention to iron in toxic minerals, and the experimental methods used for their study. Special attention is devoted to the Fenton-like chain reaction involving Fe2+ in the formation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals. The final part of this review deals with release and adsorption of iron in biological fluids, coordinative and oxidative state of iron and in vitro reactivity. To disclose the very mechanisms of carcinogenesis induced by iron-bearing toxic mineral particles, crystal chemistry and surface chemistry are fundamental for a multidisciplinary approach which should involve geo-bio-scientists, toxicologists and medical doctors.
Keywords: Diffraction; Iron; Mineral fibers; Oxidation state; Spectroscopy; Surface activity.
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