Iron - Revision history

AmericanCrocodile: Proper chemistry formatting

2026-03-16T16:47:21Z

Proper chemistry formatting

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:47, 16 March 2026
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	* '''[[Iron ore\|Iron Ore]]'''		* '''[[Iron ore\|Iron Ore]]'''
	** Naturally occurring minerals rich in iron (e.g., Hematite (), Magnetite (~~Fe3O4~~), Limonite (FeO(OH)~~⋅nH2O~~), Pyrite (~~FeS2~~), Siderite (~~FeCO3~~)).		** Naturally occurring minerals rich in iron (e.g., Hematite (), Magnetite (Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>), Limonite (FeO(OH)⋅nH<sub>2</sub>O), Pyrite (FeS<sub>2</sub>), Siderite (FeCO<sub>3</sub>)).
	** Identification relies on visual cues (color, streak, density, shapes of the crystal forms), magnetic properties (for Magnetite), and location (ore deposits; or in the sand for Pyrite).		** Identification relies on visual cues (color, streak, density, shapes of the crystal forms), magnetic properties (for Magnetite), and location (ore deposits; or in the sand for Pyrite).

AmericanCrocodile: Proper chemistry formatting

2026-03-16T16:20:07Z

Proper chemistry formatting

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:20, 16 March 2026
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	* '''[[Iron ore\|Iron Ore]]:'''		* '''[[Iron ore\|Iron Ore]]:'''
	** '''Achieved:''' Mined directly from the earth. Common forms include Hematite (~~Fe2O3~~), Magnetite (~~Fe3O4~~), Limonite (FeO(OH)~~⋅nH2O~~), and Siderite (~~FeCO3~~). Requires processing (crushing, washing, sometimes concentrating) before smelting.		** '''Achieved:''' Mined directly from the earth. Common forms include Hematite (Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>), Magnetite (Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>), Limonite (FeO(OH)⋅nH<sub>2</sub>O), and Siderite (FeCO<sub>3</sub>). Requires processing (crushing, washing, sometimes concentrating) before smelting.
	** '''Properties:''' Varies widely by ore type. Key property is iron content and the nature of impurities (gangue). Not usable as a metal in this state.		** '''Properties:''' Varies widely by ore type. Key property is iron content and the nature of impurities (gangue). Not usable as a metal in this state.
	** '''Uses:''' The fundamental raw material for all iron and steel production.		** '''Uses:''' The fundamental raw material for all iron and steel production.

Compendivm: /* See also */

2025-07-06T02:42:04Z

Compendivm: /* Production Tree: From Iron Ore to Usable Metal */ Minor change

2025-07-06T02:39:15Z

Production Tree: From Iron Ore to Usable Metal: Minor change

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:39, 6 July 2025
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	* '''[[Iron ore\|Iron Ore]]'''		* '''[[Iron ore\|Iron Ore]]'''
	** Naturally occurring minerals rich in iron (e.g., Hematite (), Magnetite (Fe3O4), Limonite (FeO(OH)⋅nH2O), Siderite (FeCO3)).		** Naturally occurring minerals rich in iron (e.g., Hematite (), Magnetite (Fe3O4), Limonite (FeO(OH)⋅nH2O), Pyrite (FeS2), Siderite (FeCO3)).
	** Identification relies on visual cues (color, streak, density), magnetic properties (for Magnetite), and location (ore deposits).		** Identification relies on visual cues (color, streak, density, shapes of the crystal forms), magnetic properties (for Magnetite), and location (ore deposits; or in the sand for Pyrite).

	=== '''Ore Preparation''' ===		=== '''Ore Preparation''' ===

179.49.41.127: Added a category: "Metals".

2025-05-14T19:10:20Z

Added a category: "Metals".

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:10, 14 May 2025
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	[[Category:Iron]]		[[Category:Iron]]
			[[Category:Metals]]

Seedorfj at 14:47, 8 May 2025

2025-05-08T14:47:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:47, 8 May 2025
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	=== '''Initial Reduction from Ore to Useful Metal''' ===		=== '''Initial Reduction from Ore to Useful Metal''' ===

	==== '''Path 2a: Bloomery Smelting (Solid-State Reduction)''' ====		==== '''Path A: Bloomery Smelting (Solid-State Reduction)''' ====

	* '''''Inputs''':'' Prepared [[Iron ore\|Iron Ore]], [[Charcoal]], Air Blast (from [[bellows]] or [[Centrifugal fan\|blower]]), [[Clay]]/[[Stone]] for furnace construction.		* '''''Inputs''':'' Prepared [[Iron ore\|Iron Ore]], [[Charcoal]], Air Blast (from [[bellows]] or [[Centrifugal fan\|blower]]), [[Clay]]/[[Stone]] for furnace construction.
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	* '''''Feasibility''':'' Highly accessible as an initial step. Requires achievable temperatures and basic furnace/bellows construction with primitive materials. This is the most likely first method to yield usable iron metal.		* '''''Feasibility''':'' Highly accessible as an initial step. Requires achievable temperatures and basic furnace/bellows construction with primitive materials. This is the most likely first method to yield usable iron metal.

	==== '''Path 2b: Blast Furnace Smelting (Melting Reduction)''' ====		==== '''Path B: Blast Furnace Smelting (Melting Reduction)''' ====

	* '''''Inputs''':'' Prepared Iron Ore, Charcoal (requires prior charcoal making), Flux (e.g., limestone or crushed seashells - helps impurities form a fluid slag at lower temperatures), Stronger Air Blast (requires more powerful and consistent bellows than bloomery, potentially water- or windmill-powered wooden/hide designs), Refractory Clay/Stone for taller furnace construction.		* '''''Inputs''':'' Prepared Iron Ore, Charcoal (requires prior charcoal making), Flux (e.g., limestone or crushed seashells - helps impurities form a fluid slag at lower temperatures), Stronger Air Blast (requires more powerful and consistent bellows than bloomery, potentially water- or windmill-powered wooden/hide designs), Refractory Clay/Stone for taller furnace construction.
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	=== '''Working with the Initial Metal Forms''' ===		=== '''Working with the Initial Metal Forms''' ===

	==== '''From Iron Bloom (Path 2a Output):''' ====		==== '''From Iron Bloom (Path A Output):''' ====

	* '''Bloom Consolidation (Forging)'''		* '''Bloom Consolidation (Forging)'''
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	** '''''Feasibility''':'' Challenging due to requirements for good quality refractory crucibles that can withstand extreme heat and thermal shock, and a furnace capable of reliably reaching and sustaining steel melting temperatures. Modern knowledge of clay composition and furnace design is crucial here.		** '''''Feasibility''':'' Challenging due to requirements for good quality refractory crucibles that can withstand extreme heat and thermal shock, and a furnace capable of reliably reaching and sustaining steel melting temperatures. Modern knowledge of clay composition and furnace design is crucial here.

	==== '''From Molten Cast Iron (Path 2b Output):''' ====		==== '''From Molten Cast Iron (Path B Output):''' ====

	* '''Casting'''		* '''Casting'''

Seedorfj at 14:44, 8 May 2025

2025-05-08T14:44:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:44, 8 May 2025
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	This section details the potential pathways for transforming raw iron ore into various usable forms of iron and steel. While limited to materials available in a pre-industrial setting (primarily clay, stone, wood, animal products for bellows/mechanisms) and hand-crafted tools, this tree leverages a modern understanding of metallurgy and engineering principles to inform the design and execution of processes.		This section details the potential pathways for transforming raw iron ore into various usable forms of iron and steel. While limited to materials available in a pre-industrial setting (primarily clay, stone, wood, animal products for bellows/mechanisms) and hand-crafted tools, this tree leverages a modern understanding of metallurgy and engineering principles to inform the design and execution of processes.

	=== '''~~Level 0:~~ Raw Material''' ===		=== '''Raw Material''' ===

	* '''[[Iron ore\|Iron Ore]]'''		* '''[[Iron ore\|Iron Ore]]'''
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	** Identification relies on visual cues (color, streak, density), magnetic properties (for Magnetite), and location (ore deposits).		** Identification relies on visual cues (color, streak, density), magnetic properties (for Magnetite), and location (ore deposits).

	=== '''~~Level 1:~~ Ore Preparation''' ===		=== '''Ore Preparation''' ===

	* '''Basic Ore Processing'''		* '''Basic Ore Processing'''
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	** '''''Output''':'' Prepared [[Iron ore\|Iron Ore]], ready for smelting		** '''''Output''':'' Prepared [[Iron ore\|Iron Ore]], ready for smelting

	=== '''~~Level 2:~~ Initial Reduction from Ore to Useful Metal''' ===		=== '''Initial Reduction from Ore to Useful Metal''' ===

	==== '''Path 2a: Bloomery Smelting (Solid-State Reduction)''' ====		==== '''Path 2a: Bloomery Smelting (Solid-State Reduction)''' ====
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	* '''''Feasibility''':'' More challenging than bloomery as an initial step due to requirements for higher sustained temperatures, a stronger/more reliable air blast over extended periods, and more complex/taller furnace construction with primitive refractories and tapping mechanisms. Modern knowledge aids in designing efficient air supply (e.g., multi-stage bellows, potentially powered by simple windmills or waterwheels) and furnace geometry to maximize heat and reduction, making it potentially achievable earlier than historical timelines but still a significant engineering hurdle compared to a bloomery.		* '''''Feasibility''':'' More challenging than bloomery as an initial step due to requirements for higher sustained temperatures, a stronger/more reliable air blast over extended periods, and more complex/taller furnace construction with primitive refractories and tapping mechanisms. Modern knowledge aids in designing efficient air supply (e.g., multi-stage bellows, potentially powered by simple windmills or waterwheels) and furnace geometry to maximize heat and reduction, making it potentially achievable earlier than historical timelines but still a significant engineering hurdle compared to a bloomery.

	=== '''~~Level 3:~~ Working with the Initial Metal Forms''' ===		=== '''Working with the Initial Metal Forms''' ===

	==== '''From Iron Bloom (Path 2a Output):''' ====		==== '''From Iron Bloom (Path 2a Output):''' ====
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	** '''''Feasibility''':'' Requires a source of cast iron and a sufficiently hot, oxidizing hearth with robust air supply. Manipulating the hot, pasty metal requires durable tools, likely needing early forged iron for reliability.		** '''''Feasibility''':'' Requires a source of cast iron and a sufficiently hot, oxidizing hearth with robust air supply. Manipulating the hot, pasty metal requires durable tools, likely needing early forged iron for reliability.

	=== '''~~Level 4:~~ Final Shaping and Use''' ===		=== '''Final Shaping and Use''' ===

	==== '''From Wrought Iron Bars/Billets:''' ====		==== '''From Wrought Iron Bars/Billets:''' ====

Seedorfj: Added processes tree

2025-05-08T14:32:15Z

Added processes tree

Show changes

Seedorfj: Linked to pages for specific iron type

2025-05-08T13:50:15Z

Linked to pages for specific iron type

134.238.179.104: Added details on types of iron with rough details on their qualities and production processes.

2025-05-05T21:10:09Z

Added details on types of iron with rough details on their qualities and production processes.

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 * [[Bloomery Furnace|Bloomery furnace]]
 * [[Kiln]]
 == See also ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:42, 6 July 2025
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	* [[Wrought Iron]]		* [[Wrought Iron]]
	* [[Zinc]]		* [[Zinc]]
			* [[Tungsten]]
	* [[Chemical elements]]		* [[Chemical elements]]
	</div>		</div>

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:50, 8 May 2025
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	=== '''I. Raw Materials and Manufacturing Intermediates''' ===		=== '''I. Raw Materials and Manufacturing Intermediates''' ===

	* '''Iron Ore:'''		* '''[[Iron ore\|Iron Ore]]:'''
	** '''Achieved:''' Mined directly from the earth. Common forms include Hematite (Fe2O3), Magnetite (Fe3O4), Limonite (FeO(OH)⋅nH2O), and Siderite (FeCO3). Requires processing (crushing, washing, sometimes concentrating) before smelting.		** '''Achieved:''' Mined directly from the earth. Common forms include Hematite (Fe2O3), Magnetite (Fe3O4), Limonite (FeO(OH)⋅nH2O), and Siderite (FeCO3). Requires processing (crushing, washing, sometimes concentrating) before smelting.
	** '''Properties:''' Varies widely by ore type. Key property is iron content and the nature of impurities (gangue). Not usable as a metal in this state.		** '''Properties:''' Varies widely by ore type. Key property is iron content and the nature of impurities (gangue). Not usable as a metal in this state.
	** '''Uses:''' The fundamental raw material for all iron and steel production.		** '''Uses:''' The fundamental raw material for all iron and steel production.
	* '''Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) / Sponge Iron:'''		* '''[[Direct Reduced Iron]] (DRI) / Sponge Iron:'''
	** '''Achieved:''' Solid-state reduction of iron ore (usually pellets or lump ore) using a reducing gas (like hydrogen, carbon monoxide, or natural gas) or sometimes solid carbon (coal) at temperatures ''below'' iron's melting point. Avoids the need for a blast furnace.		** '''Achieved:''' Solid-state reduction of iron ore (usually pellets or lump ore) using a reducing gas (like hydrogen, carbon monoxide, or natural gas) or sometimes solid carbon (coal) at temperatures ''below'' iron's melting point. Avoids the need for a blast furnace.
	** '''Properties:''' Porous ("spongy") solid iron with impurities (gangue) from the original ore. Iron content is typically high (90-97%).		** '''Properties:''' Porous ("spongy") solid iron with impurities (gangue) from the original ore. Iron content is typically high (90-97%).
	** '''Uses:''' Primarily used as a feedstock for electric arc furnaces (EAFs) in steelmaking. Can be an alternative to scrap metal or pig iron, especially where coking coal for blast furnaces is scarce.		** '''Uses:''' Primarily used as a feedstock for electric arc furnaces (EAFs) in steelmaking. Can be an alternative to scrap metal or pig iron, especially where coking coal for blast furnaces is scarce.
	* '''Pig Iron:'''		* '''[[Pig Iron]]:'''
	** '''Achieved:''' Smelting iron ore in a blast furnace with coke (fuel and reductant) and limestone (flux to remove impurities). Molten iron is tapped from the furnace and typically cast into ingots called "pigs".		** '''Achieved:''' Smelting iron ore in a blast furnace with coke (fuel and reductant) and limestone (flux to remove impurities). Molten iron is tapped from the furnace and typically cast into ingots called "pigs".
	** '''Properties:''' High carbon content (typically 3.8–4.7%), along with silicon and other impurities. Relatively low melting point (1150-1200°C), brittle, not directly useful for structural applications due to brittleness.		** '''Properties:''' High carbon content (typically 3.8–4.7%), along with silicon and other impurities. Relatively low melting point (1150-1200°C), brittle, not directly useful for structural applications due to brittleness.
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	=== '''II. Cast Irons''' (Generally > 2% Carbon) ===		=== '''II. Cast Irons''' (Generally > 2% Carbon) ===

	* '''Grey Iron:'''		* '''[[Grey Iron]]:'''
	** '''Achieved:''' Slow cooling of molten iron with appropriate carbon and silicon content, allowing carbon to precipitate out as graphite flakes within the iron matrix.		** '''Achieved:''' Slow cooling of molten iron with appropriate carbon and silicon content, allowing carbon to precipitate out as graphite flakes within the iron matrix.
	** '''Properties:''' Excellent machinability, good wear resistance, excellent damping capacity (absorbs vibrations), relatively low tensile strength and ductility (brittle compared to steel due to graphite flakes acting as stress risers). Good fluidity for casting complex shapes.		** '''Properties:''' Excellent machinability, good wear resistance, excellent damping capacity (absorbs vibrations), relatively low tensile strength and ductility (brittle compared to steel due to graphite flakes acting as stress risers). Good fluidity for casting complex shapes.
	** '''Uses:''' Engine blocks, cylinder heads, machine tool bases, manifolds, cookware (e.g., skillets), pipe fittings, decorative castings.		** '''Uses:''' Engine blocks, cylinder heads, machine tool bases, manifolds, cookware (e.g., skillets), pipe fittings, decorative castings.
	* '''White Iron:'''		* '''[[White Iron]]:'''
	** '''Achieved:''' Rapid cooling (chilling) of molten iron, often with lower silicon and higher chromium content, preventing carbon from precipitating as graphite. Carbon remains combined with iron as iron carbide (cementite, Fe3C).		** '''Achieved:''' Rapid cooling (chilling) of molten iron, often with lower silicon and higher chromium content, preventing carbon from precipitating as graphite. Carbon remains combined with iron as iron carbide (cementite, Fe3C).
	** '''Properties:''' Extremely hard, brittle, excellent abrasion resistance, difficult to machine.		** '''Properties:''' Extremely hard, brittle, excellent abrasion resistance, difficult to machine.
	** '''Uses:''' Wear surfaces (e.g., grinding mill liners, slurry pump housings, shot-blasting nozzles), raw material for producing malleable iron.		** '''Uses:''' Wear surfaces (e.g., grinding mill liners, slurry pump housings, shot-blasting nozzles), raw material for producing malleable iron.
	* '''Malleable Iron:'''		* '''[[Malleable Iron]]:'''
	** '''Achieved:''' Producing white iron castings and then subjecting them to a prolonged heat treatment (annealing) process. This breaks down the brittle cementite structure and causes the carbon to form irregular nodules (temper carbon) within an iron (ferrite or pearlite) matrix.		** '''Achieved:''' Producing white iron castings and then subjecting them to a prolonged heat treatment (annealing) process. This breaks down the brittle cementite structure and causes the carbon to form irregular nodules (temper carbon) within an iron (ferrite or pearlite) matrix.
	** '''Properties:''' Better ductility and toughness than grey or white iron, good machinability, shock resistance. Largely superseded by ductile iron but still has niche uses.		** '''Properties:''' Better ductility and toughness than grey or white iron, good machinability, shock resistance. Largely superseded by ductile iron but still has niche uses.
	** '''Uses:''' Automotive components (differential housings, steering gear components), pipe fittings, electrical hardware, small machine parts requiring some ductility.		** '''Uses:''' Automotive components (differential housings, steering gear components), pipe fittings, electrical hardware, small machine parts requiring some ductility.
	* '''Ductile Iron (Nodular Iron / Spheroidal Graphite Iron):'''		* '''[[Ductile Iron]] (Nodular Iron / Spheroidal Graphite Iron):'''
	** '''Achieved:''' Adding small amounts of specific elements (typically magnesium, sometimes cerium) to molten iron of appropriate composition just before casting. This causes the graphite to precipitate as spheres (nodules) rather than flakes.		** '''Achieved:''' Adding small amounts of specific elements (typically magnesium, sometimes cerium) to molten iron of appropriate composition just before casting. This causes the graphite to precipitate as spheres (nodules) rather than flakes.
	** '''Properties:''' Combines the casting advantages of grey iron with mechanical properties approaching those of steel (good strength, toughness, ductility, wear resistance, machinability). More impact resistant than grey iron.		** '''Properties:''' Combines the casting advantages of grey iron with mechanical properties approaching those of steel (good strength, toughness, ductility, wear resistance, machinability). More impact resistant than grey iron.