Iron Ore

Iron Ore

Iron ore

are rocks and minerals from which metallic iron can be extracted. The ores are usually rich in iron oxides and vary in colour from dark grey, bright yellow, or deep purple to rusty red.

Ores containing very high quantities of hematite or magnetite (greater than about 60% iron) are known as "natural ore" or, meaning they can be fed directly into iron-making blast furnaces(Smelters).Iron ore is the raw material used to make crude iron,which is one of the main raw materials to make steel.Iron ore,Forged bars,or Weapons & Armour are the most traded products other than Food.

Smelting

A blast furnace(Smelter) is a type of metallurgical furnace used for smelting to produce industrial metals, generally crude iron, but also others such as lead or copper. Blast refers to the combustion air being "forced" or supplied above atmospheric pressure.

In a blast furnace(Smelter),fuel (coke),ores,and Flux (limestone) are continuously supplied through the top of the furnace,while a hot blast of air is blown into the lower section of the furnace through a series of pipes,connected to huge sets of Bellows so that the chemical reactions take place throughout the furnace.The end products are usually molten metal and slag taken from the bottom, and waste gases exiting from the top of the furnace.The downward flow of the ore and flux in contact with the upflow of hot Air (carbon monoxide-rich combustion gases),creates the chemical reaction process.

Crude iron is an intermediate product of the iron industry,which is first obtained from a smelting furnace in the form of oblong blocks.Crude iron has a very high carbon content,which makes it very brittle and not useful directly as a material except for limited applications.Crude iron is made by smelting iron ore into a transportable ingot of impure high carbon-content iron in a blast furnace (Smelter) as an ingredient for further processing steps. The traditional shape of the moulds are usually oblong blocks,bars or rods made in clay moulds which are covered in sand.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Iron ore looks like an ordinary rock,containing shiny minerals and comes in various colours,see column to the right.

Physical & Chemical Properties

In basic rock form it is rough and hard to the touch.

Compounds

Ores can contain very high quantities of hematite or magnetite(Minerals).

Geology & Geography

Iron Ore is found Underground(Mines)and in Hilly Regions, Bog Iron can be found in marshy wetland.

History & Usage

Discovery

The Dwarven Race first discovered this precious rock.

Everyday use

There are everyday items such as pots,pans,cutlery,and tools made from Iron,after the Smelting process ,but its main use is for Weapons & Armour.

Cultural Significance and Usage

The Dwarves were the first to use Iron Tools and Weapons.

Industrial Use

Melted(Smelted) into liquid and poured into clay moulds to harden.(See Above)

Refinement

Iron ore needs refining before use.(See Above)

Manufacturing & Products

Any Tool,Weapon or Armour formerly made from Copper or Bronze.

Byproducts & Sideproducts

Basic Household items like Pots,Pans,and Cutlery.

Hazards

Smelting can be dangerous,due to the Heat and fumes given off during the process.

Environmental Impact

Areas that are used for Smelting tend to be away from inhabited places.In Underground Dwarven Halls,Smelters are usually on a lower level of the City,and the Heat is redistributed to warm areas above.

A Dwarven Smith at Work by scabard

Reusability & Recycling

A broken sword for example can be melted down to its liquid form and be re-cast into another sword or something else.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Dwarves first manufactured Iron Tools and Weapons.Trade was established between Elves and Humans.Any Race now sells these items which are common,but Dwarven forged items are still regarded as the best money can buy.

Type

Ore/Mineral

Value

Varies,depending if Raw material or Item.

Rarity

Common for basic quality,but the best Human forged weapons & Armour can be classed as Uncommon,and Dwarven Forged Rare indeed.

Color

Iron Ore can vary in colour from dark grey, bright yellow, or deep purple to rusty red.

Common State

Solid rock form