Most common element of the Earth – by mass

The Earth possesses a mass of approximately 5.98 x 10^24 kg. Of this total mass, 32.1% is due to the element iron (symbol Fe and atomic number 26), with the planet's core being made up of 88.8% iron to give the Earth its strong magnetic field. The core itself is around 35% of the Earth's total mass. Being so abundant, iron has been utilized since ancient times in construction and for making weapons and jewellery. Iron also plays a fundamental role in human biology by combining with molecular oxygen in hemoglobin and myoglobin to transport around the body.