Editing v0.34:Flux

{{quality|Exceptional|18:39, 13 January 2011 (UTC)}}{{av}}{{buggy}}
[[Stone]]s which are classified as '''flux''' materials can be used in the creation of [[pig iron]] and [[steel]] at a [[smelter]]. All flux has a material [[value]] of 2, which is twice that of common stone (material value 1), making it preferable for [[workshop]]s, [[construction]], and almost all stone products.  ''(Only [[obsidian]] and some higher-value [[ore]]s have a higher material value for stonework.)''

Note that [[block]]s made out of flux materials ''cannot'' be used in the production of pig iron or steel.

The following stones fall under this reaction class:

:* {{Raw Tile|"|7:7:1}} {{Raw Tile|•|7:1}} [[Calcite]] 
:* {{Raw Tile|░|7:7:1}} {{Raw Tile|•|7:1}} [[Chalk]]
:* {{Raw Tile|`|7:7:1}} {{Raw Tile|•|7:1}} [[Dolomite]]
:* {{Raw Tile|▓|7:7:1}} {{Raw Tile|•|7:1}} [[Limestone]]
:* {{Raw Tile|▓|7:7:1}} {{Raw Tile|•|7:1}} [[Marble]]

All flux stones form [[layer]]s, except for [[calcite]], which exists as small clusters within other flux layers. Whether or not a site has flux can be determined from the pre-embark screen. [[Limestone]], [[dolomite]] and [[chalk]] form [[sedimentary]] layers, which can have large deposits of [[iron]]-bearing ore. [[Marble]] is a [[metamorphic layer]], so it can be found within almost any [[biome]]; notably, marble can be found in the same biome as [[igneous extrusive layer]]s (i.e. near [[volcano]]es), unlike sedimentary layers.

=== Trading for flux ===

If your map has no flux on it (which is a common situation), then you can request it from the [[dwarf|dwarven]] traders (assuming the traders have access to flux, which is not guaranteed*). Make sure you order (flux material) ''stone'', which is in the material section, since you can't use flux'' blocks'' to create steel.

:* If you are able to bring flux stone at [[embark]], you will be able to request it from the [[caravan]] in meetings with the [[liaison]] (as with pretty much everything else), but they aren't likely to bring much, generally 3 or 4 stones of each type. Your [[steel]] industry may be better served by requesting steel bars directly or by buying up everything they have that's made of steel, especially toys, instruments, and crafts, and [[melt]]ing it all down.

== Bugs ==
* If mineral occurrence is set to "everywhere" in the world generator, flux will not appear anywhere in the site finder. {{bug|5732}}

==See also==
:* [[steel]]
:* [[pig iron]]
{{Category|Materials}}