Editing DF2014:Iron

{{Quality|Exceptional|11:27, 28 January 2015 (UTC)}}
{{Metal|name=Iron|color=0:7:1
|ore=
* [[Hematite]]
* [[Limonite]]
* [[Magnetite]]
|uses=
* Make [[pig iron]] at [[smelter]]
* Make [[steel]] at [[smelter]]
* [[weapon|Melee Weapons]]
* [[Crossbow]]s
* [[Bolt]]s
* [[Pick]]s
* [[Armor]]
* [[Anvil]]s
* [[Metalsmith's forge|Metal crafting]]
|properties=
* [[Material value]] 10
{{firemagmasafe|yes|yes}}
* [[Melting point]] {{ct|12768}}
* [[Boiling point]] {{ct|15150}}
* [[Ignition point]] none
* [[Solid density]] 7850
* Liquid [[density]] 6980
* [[Specific heat]] 450
}}{{av}}

[[File:iron_ingot.png|thumb|180px|left|Block of iron.]]
'''Iron''' is an important resource for a fortress, as an often-plentiful [[metal]] that can be used to make just about anything necessary, from weapons to [[furniture]] to [[trade good|trade goods]].  Iron is also a necessary ingredient in the production of [[steel]], the best non-spoiler metal in the game for [[weapon]]s and [[armor]]. If you are unable to produce enough steel in your fort, then the next best metal for military purposes is iron.

The three ores of iron, which are [[Hematite]], [[Magnetite]], and [[Limonite]], can only be found in [[sedimentary layer]]s, with the exception of [[hematite]], which can occasionally be found in [[igneous extrusive layer]]s.

Note that iron does not rust (though it may in future versions), so there's no harm in leaving iron objects out in the rain or submerging them in [[water]].

== Uses==

* Melee weapons. Mostly useful for edged weapons. Good for bolts as well. You can also make crossbows out of iron but there are better metals.
* Armor. It's pretty good, though not the best.
* Construction, if you are so inclined.
* Good quality [[furniture]]. It is quite heavy, however.
* Magma-safe mechanisms, though there are plenty of magma-safe [[stones]] that would work just as well, if you can get your hands on them.
* [[Anvil]]s, which can only be made from iron or [[steel]].

== Production ==

Iron comes from three ores: [[hematite]] (most common), [[magnetite]] (appears in large clusters), and [[limonite]] (least dense).

Any of these iron ores can be smelted at a [[smelter]] to produce four iron bars. If you have a standard smelter, a bar of [[fuel]] will be necessary; magma smelters require no fuel to operate.

Iron will also be available through [[goblinite]], as well as the dwarven and human caravans.

== Alloys ==

Iron may be combined with other materials at a [[smelter]], mostly for the production of [[steel]]

* Iron + [[Flux]] + [[Fuel]] = [[Pig iron]]
* Iron + [[Pig iron]] + [[Flux]] + [[Fuel]] = 2 × [[Steel]]

Note that [[fuel]] is used as a reactant: even [[magma smelter]]s need fuel for these reactions. A standard smelter will require two bars of fuel, one as a reactant and one to operate the furnace. This conforms with the process of carbonization of iron and [[pig iron]] in ferrous metallurgy in real life. 

{{Translation
| dwarven = datan
| elvish  = icori
| goblin  = dusna
| human   = uzin
}}

{{gamedata}}
{{metals}}