Editing Iron

{{Quality|Unrated}}
{{Metal|name=Iron
|sample=
[[File:IronSample.png|256px|center|frameless]]
|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}}
'''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.

There are three ores containing iron: [[hematite]], [[magnetite]], and [[limonite]]. [[Hematite]] and [[Magnetite]] can be found in all stone layers, while [[Limonite]] is found only in [[sedimentary]] layers as veins.

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 x [[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. 
[[File:iron.jpg|thumb|230px|center|Pieces of iron.]]
{{Translation
| dwarven = datan
| elvish  = icori
| goblin  = dusna
| human   = uzin
}}

{{gamedata}}
{{metals}}