What Material is the Earth Made Of?

When discussing the composition of our planet, the answer is often surprising. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of Earth is not made of one element but a combination of several. Comprised primarily of oxygen, the Earth's components are fascinating and continually fascinating with new discoveries.

The Four Major Elements

Let's delve into the key elements that make up Earth. The majority of the landscape we see around us is made up of oxygen, iron, silica, and magnesium, which together account for 93 percent of the Earth's mass. This striking fact highlights the dominance of these elements, making up the bulk of our planet.

The significance of these elements is even more evident when you consider that adding aluminum, sulfur, calcium, and nickel to the mix brings the total up to eight elements, which account for a staggering 99 percent of the planet. The remaining 1 percent is composed of a myriad of other elements, making the Earth's composition incredibly diverse and complex.

A More Detailed Breakdown

For those curious about the elemental composition of the Earth, a detailed exploration reveals an almost unending series of fascinating facts. According to Theory of Earth (Anderson, 1970), when analyzing the Earth's materials, the following elements stand out:

Main Elements

Iron: 33% - Present in the core, though not directly measured. Silica (Quartz): 31% - Found in the Earth's crust and abundant sand and rocks. Magnesium Oxide (Clay): 23% - Common in soil and the material that comprises "dirt." Iron Oxide (Red Clay): 6% - Widely distributed and the source of our iron and steel. Aluminum Oxide (Red Clay): 3% - Found in red soils and used to make beer cans. Sulfur: 1% - Located in the core, accounting for a small percentage. Calcium Oxide (Calcite or Chalk): 1% - Central to plankton and present in quantities within and around us, including in our bones. Nickel: 1% - Also located in the core, for which the reason is not fully understood. Other Elements: 1% - Varying in forms and quantities, but minimal in comparison to the others.

Understanding the Composition

The analysis aligns with experimental evidence: the primitive solar cloud material condenses as temperatures decrease, coupled with observations of the crust and mantle, and the study of primitive meteorites. While the mantle and crust have evolved over time, these elements form the essential materials that create the rocks on our planet.

Thus, the Earth can be visualized as a 3,000 km iron core surrounded by a 1,500 km thick layer of sand, magnesium mud, and iron, with bits of aluminum mud, sulfur, calcium, and nickel mixed throughout. The vast majority of these materials are oxidized, further highlighting the dominance of oxygen, followed by iron, silicon, magnesium, aluminum, sulfur, calcium, and nickel.

Table of Elemental Composition

Element% Composition Oxygen46.6% Iron32.9% Silica (Quartz)25.9% Magnesium Oxide (Clay)20.3% Iron Oxide (Red Clay)5.1% Aluminum Oxide (Red Clay)2.8% Sulfur1.1% Calcium Oxide (Calcite or Chalk)0.8% Nickel0.2%

Understanding the Earth's composition not only satisfies our curiosity but also underscores the intricate balance that makes our planet so unique. From the core to the crust, the Earth is a stunning blend of elements that reflect the universe's complexity.