Dwarf Fortress Wiki - User contributions [en]

Steel

2016-01-27T03:48:05Z

Commando Alex: Expanded properties with data from Raws.

{{Quality|Masterwork|23:34, 27 April 2013 (UTC)}}
{{Alloy3
|name=Steel
|color=0:7:1
|color1=0:0:1
|color2=0:0:1
|color3=7:0:1
|tile3=•
|uses=
* [[weapon|Melee Weapons]]
* [[Crossbow]]s
* [[Bolt]]s
* [[Pick]]s
* [[Armor]]
* [[Anvil]]
* [[Metalsmith's forge|Metal crafting]]
|recipe=
* 1 [[iron]] [[bar]]
* 1 [[pig iron]] [[bar]]
* 1 [[flux]] [[stone]]
* 1 [[fuel|coal]] [[bar]]
|properties=
* [[Material value]] 30
* [[Melting point]] 12718
* [[Boiling point]] 14968
* [[Ignition point]] none
* [[Solid density]] 7850
* Liquid [[density]] 6980
* [[Specific heat]] 500
}}{{av}}

'''Steel''' is the best common metal for smithing most [[weapon]]s and [[armor]]. Steel also has the third highest value of all metals, tied with that of [[gold]].

Steel can be created at a [[smelter]] by a [[dwarf]] with the [[furnace operator]] [[labor]] activated.

==Sedimentary Layers==

To smelt steel, you will need [[iron]] [[bar]]s, [[flux]] stone, and [[fuel]]. Flux is used to remove impurities including carbon during the smelting process, while fuel (charcoal or coke) removes oxygen and puts back in a small amount of carbon. The end result is steel: iron with just the right amount of carbon in it. The three ores of iron (hematite, magnetite, and limonite) can only be found in [[sedimentary layer]]s, with the exception of hematite, which can occasionally be found in igneous extrusive layers. Furthermore, four of the five [[flux]] stones (calcite, chalk, dolomite, and limestone) are found only in sedimentary layers, as well as both [[coal]] ores (bituminous coal and lignite).

If you have no sedimentary layers at your fortress site, your only hope to make steel is with:
* hematite from [[igneous extrusive]] layers, or iron ore imported from [[trade]] caravans, or [[melt]]ing iron items brought by [[siege]]rs and caravans
* marble from [[metamorphic]] layers, or imported [[flux]]
* [[charcoal]] from [[wood]], or coke from imported [[bituminous coal]] or [[lignite]]

If you embark in a forest [[biome]], you can produce thousands of units of wood from the surface trees alone, without even tapping into the [[cavern]]s. Charcoal requires more labor per unit than coke, but is often easier to acquire.

Note that bituminous coal, like most stones, costs only 3☼ at embark or from caravans. With [[Sample_Starting_Builds#Minmax_build|a cunning enough starting build]], it is possible to embark with enough for several hundred units of coke. This is only possible if your parent [[civilization]] has access to coal; otherwise it will not be available at all.

==Recipe==
Steel production is fairly complex compared to the creation of other [[alloy]]s. ''Important note'': in steelmaking, [[coke]] or [[charcoal]] is also used as an ingredient, apart from its use as [[fuel]]. A conventional (non-magma) smelter will require an additional unit of fuel in each reaction.

The first step is '''to create [[pig iron]]''':

:*1 bar of [[iron]]
:*1 [[flux]] stone
:*1 unit of [[fuel]] (as a source of carbon)
:*1 unit of fuel, or magma (to heat the forge)
:'''Produces''':
:*1 bar of pig iron

[[Image:SteelSword.png|thumb|right|200px|''A [[steel]] [[short sword]].'']]

The second step combines the pig iron with plain iron '''to produce steel''':

:*1 bar of iron
:*1 bar of pig iron
:*1 [[flux]] stone
:*1 unit of fuel (as a source of carbon)
:*1 unit of fuel, or magma (to heat the forge)
:'''Produces''':
:*2 bars of steel

The overall reaction consumes 2 bars of iron, 2 units of flux, and 2 units of fuel as ingredients (plus an extra 2 fuel at a conventional smelter for heating). This produces 2 bars of steel.

Remember that smelting [[iron]] [[ore]] also requires 1 unit of fuel at a conventional smelter, producing 4 bars of [[iron]], which translates to half a unit of additional fuel used in the recipe above (although you will need a full unit up front.)

[[File:SteelChart.png|center|485px]]



{{Translation
| dwarven = deler
| elvish = inire
| goblin = zodsto
| human = kadest
}}

{{gamedata}}
{{metals}}

Gold

2016-01-27T03:35:01Z

Commando Alex: Clarified safety for both magma and fire.

{{Quality|Exceptional|23:28, 27 April 2013 (UTC)}}
{{Metal
|name=Gold
|color=6:6:1
|uses=
* Make [[black bronze]] at [[smelter]]
* Make [[electrum]] at [[smelter]]
* Make [[rose gold]] at [[smelter]]
* [[Metalsmith's forge|Metal crafting]]
|ore=
* [[Native gold]]
|properties=
* [[Material value]] 30
* [[Melting point]] 11915
* [[Boiling point]] 15141
* [[Ignition point]] none
* [[Solid density]] 19320
* Liquid [[density]] 17310
* [[Specific heat]] 129
}}{{av}}

'''Gold''' is a high-value, relatively common [[metal]]. It is the third highest value metal, tied with [[steel]]. The only [[ore]] of gold is [[native gold]], which yields '''gold nuggets''' when mined. Each gold nugget can be turned into four gold [[bar]]s at a [[smelter]] or [[magma smelter]] by a dwarf with the [[furnace operating]] labor enabled. Gold used to be one of the three metals (with [[copper]] and [[silver]]) used to mint coins for the Dwarven [[economy]] and has the highest value of the three. Gold is [[fire-safe]] but ''not'' [[magma safe]].

Gold may be combined with other metals at a smelter or magma smelter to form several [[alloy]]s:

* [[Black bronze]] = Gold + [[Silver]] + 2x [[Copper]]
* [[Electrum]] = Gold + [[Silver]]
* [[Rose gold]] = 3x Gold + [[Copper]]

None of the gold alloys have a greater material value than gold itself, but may prove useful if gold is particularly scarce on a map. Further, if gold nuggets (material value 30) are smelted directly with a low-value [[silver]] ore such as [[galena]] (material value 5) or [[tetrahedrite]] (material value 3), it will produce eight bars of [[electrum]] (material value 20) for a net gain in total value.

Refining gold nuggets produces 4 bars, which can result in significantly increased value compared to the original nuggets; however in some cases it may be advantageous to make furniture directly from gold ore, since it requires no [[fuel]] and uses a labor that is easily trained. Native gold furniture may also be useful to satisfy a [[noble]]'s [[mandate]] or [[demand]]. To use native gold for furniture and the like, you should place a stone [[stockpile]] allowing only native gold near your [[Mason's workshop]] (native gold furniture, blocks, etc.), [[Craftsdwarf's workshop]] (native gold crafts), or [[Mechanic's workshop]] (native gold mechanisms) and enable "gold nuggets" ('''not''' "gold") using the {{K|z}} : <tt>Stone</tt> menu. To avoid wasting gold nuggets, assign your stockpile to 'give' only to one specific workshop, and disable non-economic use upon completion.

Note that a dwarf who has a preference for gold metal will not be particularly impressed by items crafted from native gold nuggets, and vice-versa.

<gallery>
File:Gold.jpg|A gold bar
</gallery>

{{Translation
| dwarven = limul
| elvish = ithi
| goblin = ongong
| human = abli
}}

{{gamedata}}
{{metals}}

Gold

2016-01-27T03:30:31Z

Commando Alex: Updated properties section with basic info from raws, easier to tell if gold is magma or fire safe.

{{Quality|Exceptional|23:28, 27 April 2013 (UTC)}}
{{Metal
|name=Gold
|color=6:6:1
|uses=
* Make [[black bronze]] at [[smelter]]
* Make [[electrum]] at [[smelter]]
* Make [[rose gold]] at [[smelter]]
* [[Metalsmith's forge|Metal crafting]]
|ore=
* [[Native gold]]
|properties=
* [[Material value]] 30
* [[Melting point]] 11915
* [[Boiling point]] 15141
* [[Ignition point]] none
* [[Solid density]] 19320
* Liquid [[density]] 17310
* [[Specific heat]] 129
}}{{av}}

'''Gold''' is a high-value, relatively common [[metal]]. It is the third highest value metal, tied with [[steel]]. The only [[ore]] of gold is [[native gold]], which yields '''gold nuggets''' when mined. Each gold nugget can be turned into four gold [[bar]]s at a [[smelter]] or [[magma smelter]] by a dwarf with the [[furnace operating]] labor enabled. Gold used to be one of the three metals (with [[copper]] and [[silver]]) used to mint coins for the Dwarven [[economy]] and has the highest value of the three.

Gold may be combined with other metals at a smelter or magma smelter to form several [[alloy]]s:

* [[Black bronze]] = Gold + [[Silver]] + 2x [[Copper]]
* [[Electrum]] = Gold + [[Silver]]
* [[Rose gold]] = 3x Gold + [[Copper]]

None of the gold alloys have a greater material value than gold itself, but may prove useful if gold is particularly scarce on a map. Further, if gold nuggets (material value 30) are smelted directly with a low-value [[silver]] ore such as [[galena]] (material value 5) or [[tetrahedrite]] (material value 3), it will produce eight bars of [[electrum]] (material value 20) for a net gain in total value.

Refining gold nuggets produces 4 bars, which can result in significantly increased value compared to the original nuggets; however in some cases it may be advantageous to make furniture directly from gold ore, since it requires no [[fuel]] and uses a labor that is easily trained. Native gold furniture may also be useful to satisfy a [[noble]]'s [[mandate]] or [[demand]]. To use native gold for furniture and the like, you should place a stone [[stockpile]] allowing only native gold near your [[Mason's workshop]] (native gold furniture, blocks, etc.), [[Craftsdwarf's workshop]] (native gold crafts), or [[Mechanic's workshop]] (native gold mechanisms) and enable "gold nuggets" ('''not''' "gold") using the {{K|z}} : <tt>Stone</tt> menu. To avoid wasting gold nuggets, assign your stockpile to 'give' only to one specific workshop, and disable non-economic use upon completion.

Note that a dwarf who has a preference for gold metal will not be particularly impressed by items crafted from native gold nuggets, and vice-versa.

<gallery>
File:Gold.jpg|A gold bar
</gallery>

{{Translation
| dwarven = limul
| elvish = ithi
| goblin = ongong
| human = abli
}}

{{gamedata}}
{{metals}}

Copper

2016-01-27T03:27:39Z

Commando Alex: Added Internal links to both 'Fire-Safe' and 'Magma Safe'.

{{Quality|Exceptional|17:50, 17 August 2014 (UTC)}}

{{Metal|name=Copper|color=6:4:0
|uses=
* Make [[Brass]] at [[smelter]]
* Make [[Bronze]] at [[smelter]]
* Make [[Billon]] at [[smelter]]
* Make [[Fine pewter]] at [[smelter]]
* Make [[Trifle pewter]] at [[smelter]]
* Make [[Lay pewter]] at [[smelter]]
* Make [[Nickel silver]] at [[smelter]]
* Make [[Black bronze]] at [[smelter]]
* Make [[Sterling silver]] at [[smelter]]
* Make [[Rose gold]] at [[smelter]]
* Make [[Bismuth bronze]] at [[smelter]]
* [[weapon|Melee Weapons]]
* [[Crossbow]]s
* [[Bolt]]s
* [[Pick]]s
* [[Armor]]
* [[Metalsmith's forge|Metal crafting]]
|ore=
* [[Native copper]]
* [[Malachite]]
* [[Tetrahedrite]]
|properties=
* [[Material value]] 2
* [[Melting point]] 11952
* [[Boiling point]] 14611
* [[Ignition point]] none
* [[Solid density]] 8930
* Liquid [[density]] 8020
* [[Specific heat]] 385
}}{{av}}

'''Copper''' is a [[metal]] used in a large number of alloys, among them [[bronze]], which is almost as good as [[iron]] for smithing [[weapon]]s and [[armor]], and [[brass]], which has the largest value increase of all non-[[steel]] alloys. Copper itself is a common, low-value metal and a sub-par arms material- more specifically, it is the second worst metal available for slashing weapons, but is pretty good for blunt weapons.

Copper is [[fire-safe]] but ''not'' [[magma-safe]].

== Major uses ==

*Early-game melee weapon and armor production, if you have no [[tin]] to make [[bronze]] or no [[iron]]. You will probably do best to find better metals though.
*Making [[bronze]], which is better overall than copper for military applications.
*Training metalworking dwarves : copper is generally plentiful. This is possibly the best use for copper if you have better metals.
*Copper crossbows and copper bolts. Copper crossbows are the best crossbows if your marksdwarves are forced into melee : silver crossbows are only brought by humans and have no quality modifiers. Copper bolts are heavy enough and sharp enough to work as a good projectile, and iron/steel is generally too rare to be used in bolts. Both uses also train your weaponsmiths, which is always a good thing.
*Bins, cages, and barrels: although wooden ones are generally cheaper and lighter, copper containers are fire-safe and resistant to [[vermin]]. On maps where wood is scarce, copper can serve as a suitable substitute.
*Copper giant spiked balls for weapon traps.

== Alloys ==

Copper is smelted (at a [[smelter]]) from [[native copper]], [[malachite]], or [[tetrahedrite]].

Copper may be combined with other metals at a [[smelter]]. The following is a list of recipes involving copper:
*[[Brass]] = Copper + [[Zinc]]
*[[Bronze]] = Copper + [[Tin]]
*[[Billon]] = Copper + [[Silver]]
*[[Fine pewter]] = Copper + 3x [[Tin]]
*[[Trifle pewter]] = Copper + 2x [[Tin]]
*[[Lay pewter]] = Copper + 2x [[Tin]] + [[Lead]]
*[[Nickel silver]] = Copper + 2x [[Nickel]] + [[Zinc]]
*[[Black bronze]] = 2x Copper + [[Silver]] + [[Gold]]
*[[Sterling silver]] = Copper + 3x [[Silver]]
*[[Rose gold]] = Copper + 3x [[Gold]]
*[[Bismuth bronze]] = 2x Copper + [[Tin]] + [[Bismuth]]

<gallery>
File:Copper_2.jpg|A copper ingot, coin and rod.
</gallery>

{{Translation
| dwarven = gusil
| elvish = canò
| goblin = saxo
| human = gugir
}}

{{gamedata}}
{{metals}}