Dark Iron

Properties

Material Characteristics

Dark Iron shares many similarities with iron in looks, however, dark iron is much darker almost coal black. Its consistency in color is very well known as both the ore and ingots tend to have the same color. It does, however, melt down into a light orange color with darker spots.

Compounds

It is almost impossible to use Dark Iron as an alloy as it does not combine well with other metals.

Geology & Geography

Dark Iron is mostly found in the northern mountains of Tyrania, making Evlora, Danbadir, Zadokh, Klosterburn, and Farendale the biggest miners and producers of the metal.

Origin & Source

Dark Iron comes from its own type of iron ore. The ore is darker than normal iron and comes in lesser veins. Together with dark iron, it is also normal to find smaller veins of normal iron.

History & Usage

History

Dark Iron is a very commonly used metal and has been for a long time. Uses of Dark iron traces back before the times of troubles and archeologists have also found old tools going back well over 10 000 years of its use.

Everyday use

Dark Iron is mostly used to craft weapons as it is much more durable than other metals and therefore can be sharpened even more than common metals. It is highly valued for this purpose but is also used for more efficient tools and reinforcements for doors, vaults and sometimes walls.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Duergar makes almost all their weapons, tools and creations out of dark iron and they rate it almost as mithral.

Refinement

Dark Iron because of its high melting point must be refined in a strong blast furnace created especially for dark iron.

Byproducts & Sideproducts

When melting down dark iron some normal iron is also produced. As iron and dark iron does not mix with normal iron it is easy to separate them with the right furnace.

Reusability & Recycling

Dark Iron does not rust or break down easily so melting it down to create new bars or items is very easy with this material.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Dark Iron is a moderately expensive metal, but also extremely useful so dark iron trade is very profitable for miners, producers, and people who can work the metal as it takes a bit of knowledge and skill to do so. Not all blacksmiths can work the metal so it has become quite an achievement to master this metal.

Type

Metal

Value

10 gold per lbs

Rarity

Uncommon

Taste

A sour ironic taste

Color

Black

Melting / Freezing Point

Dark Iron has a melting point higher than iron, melting at 1738 degrees