Iron: Difference between revisions

<!--T:1-->

|Name=Iron

|SmeltDuration=

|RequiresContainer=Yes

'''Iron''' is a Tier 4 metal. Iron can be refined through a complex process from its ores, which are hematite, magnetite or limonite. Iron may be [[Smithing|smithed]] into a variety of tools, weapons, armor and items. It is a component for [[steel]], the highest tier metal in the game.

Due to its high smelting temperature, iron ores cannot be simply melted down in a [[crucible]] like [[bronze]] or [[copper]]. Instead, iron ore nuggets (in the form of hematite, limonite or magnetite nuggets) must be smelted in a [[bloomery]] to produce iron blooms, which are further refined on a bronze or better anvil into wrought iron, which can then be smelted into tools.

There are three types of iron-containing ores in the game: hematite, magnetite and limonite. They can appear in different [[Rock#Rock strata|rock layers]] at different depths, but all are equally capable of producing iron. 20 nuggets of these ores produces one iron bloom. A tier 3 bronze (or better) pickaxe is needed to mine these ores.

''See also [[Bloomery]].''

In order to turn iron ore nuggets into iron blooms, the ore nuggets must be smelted in a bloomery, created from fire clay bricks. The bloomery must be loaded with the ore, then with an appropriate [[fuel]] - either charcoal, black coal or anthracite coal. The bloomery will burn for around 10 hours, after which it may be broken open to retrieve the iron blooms. Bloomeries are destroyed after a single use, so a new one must be made each time the player wants to turn iron ore nuggets into iron blooms.

Iron blooms must be further worked on an anvil while hot to turn it into usable wrought iron ingots. This may be done manually, with a hammer and a bronze or better anvil, or be automated with a [[helve hammer]]. Cold iron blooms can be reheated in a [[forge]].  

Iron cannot be used for [[casting]], and must be smithed on an anvil to produce useful items. Notably, iron [[Anvil|anvils]] must also be smithed on a bronze or better anvil. This process involves creating a separate top and bottom half, then welding the two together using crushed [[borax]].

=== [[Smithing]] === <!--T:16-->

''See also [[steel]].''

The only alloy of iron currently in the game is [[steel]], which is an alloy of iron and carbon. Steel is the highest tier metal in the game, but requires a complex process to create.

{{tnt|Metals navbox}}