Retrieve historical Iron Ore (IRON) prices using this API for research purposes

In the ever-evolving landscape of commodities trading, the ability to retrieve historical Iron Ore (IRON) prices is crucial for researchers, analysts, and developers alike. The Metals-API provides a robust platform for accessing real-time and historical data on various metals, including Iron Ore. This blog post will delve into the significance of Iron Ore in the global market, the transformative potential of the Metals-API, and how developers can leverage its capabilities for innovative applications.

Metals-API Information

About Iron Ore (IRON)

Iron Ore is a fundamental raw material in the production of steel, which is essential for construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure development. As the backbone of the global economy, fluctuations in Iron Ore prices can significantly impact market dynamics. The digital transformation in metal markets has led to an increased reliance on data analytics and smart technology integration, allowing stakeholders to make informed decisions based on real-time insights.

Technological advancements have revolutionized the way market participants access and analyze data. With the integration of data analytics, stakeholders can now forecast trends, assess risks, and optimize their trading strategies. The future of Iron Ore trading is poised for further innovation, with the potential for AI-driven analytics and machine learning algorithms to enhance decision-making processes.

API Description

The Metals-API is a powerful tool that empowers developers to build next-generation applications by providing access to real-time and historical metals data. This API is designed to facilitate seamless integration into various platforms, enabling users to retrieve essential information with ease. The API's capabilities extend beyond mere data retrieval; it offers a comprehensive suite of features that can transform how businesses operate in the metals market.

Key Features and Endpoints

The Metals-API boasts a variety of endpoints that cater to different needs within the metals trading ecosystem. Each endpoint is designed to provide specific functionalities that can be leveraged for various applications:

Latest Rates Endpoint

The Latest Rates Endpoint allows users to access real-time exchange rate data for Iron Ore and other metals. Depending on the subscription plan, this endpoint can return updates every 60 minutes, every 10 minutes, or even more frequently. This feature is invaluable for traders who need to stay informed about market fluctuations.

{
        "success": true,
        "timestamp": 1754647233,
        "base": "USD",
        "date": "2025-08-08",
        "rates": {
            "IRON": 0.000482
        },
        "unit": "per metric ton"
    }

Historical Rates Endpoint

The Historical Rates Endpoint provides access to historical exchange rates for Iron Ore dating back to 2019. Users can query the API by appending a specific date to retrieve past prices, which is essential for conducting research and analysis.

{
        "success": true,
        "timestamp": 1754560833,
        "base": "USD",
        "date": "2025-08-07",
        "rates": {
            "IRON": 0.000485
        },
        "unit": "per metric ton"
    }

Bid And Ask Endpoint

The Bid and Ask Endpoint is a powerful feature that enables users to retrieve real-time bid and ask prices for Iron Ore. This information is crucial for traders looking to make informed decisions based on current market conditions.

{
        "success": true,
        "timestamp": 1754647233,
        "base": "USD",
        "date": "2025-08-08",
        "rates": {
            "IRON": {
                "bid": 0.000481,
                "ask": 0.000483,
                "spread": 2.0e-6
            }
        },
        "unit": "per metric ton"
    }

Convert Endpoint

The Convert Endpoint allows users to convert any amount of Iron Ore from one currency to another. This feature is particularly useful for international traders who need to assess prices in different currencies.

{
        "success": true,
        "query": {
            "from": "USD",
            "to": "IRON",
            "amount": 1000
        },
        "info": {
            "timestamp": 1754647233,
            "rate": 0.000482
        },
        "result": 0.482,
        "unit": "metric tons"
    }

Time-Series Endpoint

The Time-Series Endpoint allows users to query the API for daily historical rates between two specified dates. This feature is particularly beneficial for analysts looking to identify trends over time.

{
        "success": true,
        "timeseries": true,
        "start_date": "2025-08-01",
        "end_date": "2025-08-08",
        "base": "USD",
        "rates": {
            "2025-08-01": {
                "IRON": 0.000485
            },
            "2025-08-03": {
                "IRON": 0.000483
            },
            "2025-08-08": {
                "IRON": 0.000482
            }
        },
        "unit": "per metric ton"
    }

Fluctuation Endpoint

The Fluctuation Endpoint provides insights into how Iron Ore prices fluctuate on a day-to-day basis. This information is essential for traders who need to understand market volatility.

{
        "success": true,
        "fluctuation": true,
        "start_date": "2025-08-01",
        "end_date": "2025-08-08",
        "base": "USD",
        "rates": {
            "IRON": {
                "start_rate": 0.000485,
                "end_rate": 0.000482,
                "change": -3.0e-6,
                "change_pct": -0.62
            }
        },
        "unit": "per metric ton"
    }

Open/High/Low/Close (OHLC) Price Endpoint

The OHLC Price Endpoint allows users to retrieve the open, high, low, and close prices for Iron Ore over a specified time period. This data is crucial for technical analysis and trading strategies.

{
        "success": true,
        "timestamp": 1754647233,
        "base": "USD",
        "date": "2025-08-08",
        "rates": {
            "IRON": {
                "open": 0.000485,
                "high": 0.000487,
                "low": 0.000481,
                "close": 0.000482
            }
        },
        "unit": "per metric ton"
    }

Lowest/Highest Price Endpoint

The Lowest/Highest Price Endpoint allows users to query the API for the lowest and highest prices of Iron Ore over a specified date range. This feature is beneficial for identifying price extremes.

{
        "success": true,
        "timestamp": 1754647233,
        "base": "USD",
        "date": "2025-08-08",
        "rates": {
            "IRON": {
                "lowest": 0.000481,
                "highest": 0.000487
            }
        },
        "unit": "per metric ton"
    }

API Key and Response

To access the Metals-API, users must obtain an API Key, which is passed into the API base URL's access_key parameter. The API delivers exchange rates relative to USD by default, ensuring consistency across data retrieval.

List of Symbols

The Metals-API provides access to a comprehensive range of metal symbols. For a complete list of all supported symbols and their specifications, refer to the Metals-API Supported Symbols page.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Metals-API offers a powerful suite of tools for retrieving historical Iron Ore prices and other metal data. With its extensive range of endpoints, developers can access real-time and historical data, enabling them to build innovative applications that enhance decision-making in the metals market. The integration of smart technology and data analytics will continue to shape the future of trading, making it essential for stakeholders to leverage these advancements. For more information on how to get started, visit the Metals-API Documentation and explore the possibilities that await.