Estokokeita

Estokokeita is a term of Basque origin that translates to "wrought iron" in English. It refers specifically to iron that has been worked and shaped through heating and hammering. This process distinguishes it from cast iron, which is molten and poured into molds, or blister steel, which is produced through a different carburization process. Wrought iron was a primary material for metalworking for centuries, valued for its malleability and durability.

Historically, estokokeita was produced in bloomery furnaces. In these furnaces, iron ore was heated with charcoal, and the resulting spongy mass, known as a bloom, was then repeatedly heated and hammered to expel impurities and consolidate the iron. This labor-intensive process resulted in a relatively pure form of iron with a fibrous structure. This fibrous nature made it resistant to fracturing but also less suitable for holding a very sharp edge compared to steel.

The applications of estokokeita were widespread. It was used for making tools, weapons, architectural elements like gates and railings, and various domestic implements. Its prevalence in these areas underscores its importance in pre-industrial societies. With the advent of the Bessemer process and other modern steelmaking techniques in the 19th century, the production of wrought iron declined significantly, though it remains appreciated for its historical significance and aesthetic qualities in restoration projects and decorative applications.