Jernlagre

Jernlagre is a term used in Norwegian to refer to stored iron. In everyday usage it can refer to two related but distinct concepts: iron stores in living organisms and iron ore deposits in the Earth's crust. The two senses are connected by the chemical element iron, but they differ in function, form and measurement.

In humans and other animals, jernlagre denote the body's iron reserves that are available for processes such as hemoglobin synthesis. The main iron-containing storage proteins are ferritin and hemosiderin, with ferritin circulating in serum as a marker of total body iron stores. The liver, spleen, and bone marrow are primary storage sites. Iron stores are maintained within a narrow range; depletion leads to iron deficiency and anemia, while excess iron can cause toxicity and diseases such as hemochromatosis.

In geology and mining, jernlagre refer to accumulations of iron-rich minerals that can be mined for iron ore. The most important ore minerals are magnetite and hematite. Iron ore deposits form through various processes, including sedimentary accumulation (banded iron formations), magmatic differentiation, and hydrothermal activity. Ore quality is assessed by grade and tonnage, and mining depends on market prices and processing capabilities such as beneficiation and smelting. Major producers include countries with extensive iron ore resources.

Extraction and processing of iron ore have significant environmental impacts, including energy use, emissions, tailings, and water management. Sustainable practices and recycling of steel help mitigate these effects. In nutrition and medicine, assessment of iron stores guides diagnosis and treatment of iron-related disorders.