What is 'Wrought Iron'? A Simple Definition
Wrought iron is a pure form of commercial iron, with very low carbon content. Wrought iron is bendable, but not brittle and easily welded. However, wrought iron is too soft to make blades from, in which case steel or cast iron is used. Wrought iron has been used for thousands of years, and represents the "iron” that is referred to throughout history.
Wrought Iron: A Technical Definition
Iron is a dark grey metal and is the major constituent of a range
of materials including wrought iron, cast iron, carbonized iron
(carbon steel) and steel, each of which has its own unique
properties. Iron was first used as a material for tools and
weapons. Its uses have since grown to include items for domestic
use to architectural building components. The presence of iron in
a feature may be detected with a magnet.
Wrought iron differs from cast iron and steel in its carbon
content. Iron/carbon alloys used in construction include the
following:
1. Wrought iron: Contains very little carbon (approximately
.035%).
2. Steel: Contains a moderate amount of carbon (between .06% and
2%).
3. Cast Iron: Contains a high amount of carbon (between 2% and
4%).
Iron is a metallic chemical element; symbol “Fe” [Lat. ferrum]; at. no. 26; at. wt. 55.847; m.p. about 1,535 degrees Celsius; b.p. about 2,750 degrees Celsius; sp. gr. 7.87 at 20 degrees Celsius; valence +2, +3, +4, or +6. Iron is biologically significant. Because iron is a component of hemoglobin, a red oxygen-carrying pigment of the red blood cells of vertebrates, iron compounds are important in nutrition; one cause of anemia is iron deficiency. For the history of the use of iron, see Iron Age - a cultural stage characterized by the use of iron as the main metal.
Wrought Iron: A Very Short History
Evidence of Iron and Wrought Iron and their use date back as far as 1000 B.C., but actual iron and wrought iron products, tools, weapons and decorative accessories that fill museum halls from coast to coast, continent to continent, world ‘round, date back to the Egyptians in 300 B.C.
Surviving in a limited form after the fall of the Roman empire, until the 12th century the use of iron was restricted to weapons, mail hauberks, and casques or spangen helmets. During the 13th century sources for iron became more plentiful, and during the 14th century it became commonly available for use by armourers.
Traditionally, decorative wrought iron that is hammered or forged into shape by hand. Very popular during the 19th and early 20th century for fences and ornamental uses. Almost a lost art, as very few artisans continue to practice this trade by hand today. Purchase Wrought Iron.