Iron

Iron is the most abundant element on Earth, by mass. Between 2000 and 1200 BCE, people began replacing copper for tools and weapons, thus starting the Iron Age. Iron is more durable and less malleable, so it was ideal for creating items that would last. Presently, iron is the cheapest metal available. However, uses are sometimes limited or the surface requires special treatment, as iron rusts with water or oxygen exposure. The oxidized iron rust occupies more space than the original rust and thus flakes off, compromising aesthetics and structural integrity.

There are 2 ways to create iron forms:

1. Wrought: Iron is heated then worked with a hammer and anvil, which removes slag and welds the iron particles together. Traditionally done in a blacksmith shop. The resulting piece possesses high tensile strength, and was used for many large construction projects until steel was developed in early 20th century. Wrought iron has long been used to make ornate decorative pieces (railings, gates, benches, etc).

2. Cast: Made from smelting iron alloys with 2-4% carbon and 1-3% silicon, then pouring into a mold. Depending on heat treatment and processing techniques, then creates gray, white, malleable, ductile, and compacted graphite types of iron. Cast iron allows for precise and repeated shapes, and is frequently seen in cookware, pipes, machines and automotive uses

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