40d:Iron

Iron

÷ Ω Ω Ω Ω Ω ÷ Ω ≡ ≡ ≡ = = Ω Ω ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ = Ω Ω ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ Ω ÷ Ω Ω Ω Ω Ω ÷
Uses
Make pig iron at smelter Make steel at smelter Melee Weapons Crossbows Bolts Picks Armor Anvils Metal crafting Construction
Ore
Hematite Limonite Magnetite
Properties
Magma proof Block% 100 Damage% 100 Material value 10
Wikipedia article

Iron bars can be smelted at a smelter by a dwarf with the furnace operating labor activated. Iron is a fairly common, naturally occuring metal and can be obtained from hematite, magnetite and limonite ores.

Iron is predominantly used to forge weapons and armor, and its strength is the baseline from which all other metals are judged: Steel and Adamantine are more effective, Copper and Bronze items less effective. Iron is the most commonly used of the three metals used to forge anvils (steel and adamantine are harder to obtain but the anvil does not become more useful). Iron can also be fashioned into objects such as coins, furniture, and crafts, when it is not being used for more practical purposes.

Iron bars can be used to make pig iron, which in turn is used to make steel bars.

Iron ore is found in sedimentary layers and igneous extrusive layers. Andesite, Basalt, Felsite, Obsidian, and Rhyolite layers are igneous extrusive, while Sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, shale, claystone, rock salt, limestone, conglomerate, dolomite, flint, chert, and chalk layers are sedimentary.

Invading goblins (or humans) often carry iron equipment. After successful fortress defense, liberated arms and armour can be melted into bars. This can be a reliable source of iron even when ore is scarce.

Iron is used in steelmaking at a Smelter, as a part of the following recipes:

• Pig iron = Iron + Flux + Coal
• Steel = Iron + Pig iron + Flux + Coal