Talk:Iron
"It can be dug up straight out of the ground and used without much trouble." is a bit simplistic if not to say incorrect. Iron oxidizes easily, and iron ores therefore require smelting: see http://www.mii.org/Minerals/photoiron.html
- Smelting is an ancient technology, available to very low-tech societies. I think the statement reflects the fact that, compared to other metals, iron was relatively easy for primitive societies to work. --Pacman 06:40, 16 May 2007 (EDT)
- They actually did not smelt iron, it was refined in a bloomery. DM 13:19, 5 March 2008 (EST)
A knowledgeable expert needs to look at this article and discuss the principle ores of iron which are are Hematite, (70% iron), Magnetite, (72Â % iron) and Taconite which is a low-grade iron ore, containing up to 30% Magnetite and Hematite, and how iron is extracted from them. --AvengingAngel 18:26, 15 May 2007 (EDT)
- Agreed. I have a little knowledge, but not enough DM 13:19, 5 March 2008 (EST)