Page "Iron Age" Paragraph 5

Iron in its natural form is barely harder than bronze, and is not useful for tools unless combined with carbon to make steel.

The percentage of carbon determines important characteristics of the final product: the more carbon, the harder the steel.

The systematic production and use of iron implements in Anatolia began around 2000 BC.

Recent archaeological research in the Ganges Valley, India showed early iron working by 1800 BC.

However, this metal was expensive, perhaps because of the complications of steel-making.

It is attested in both documents and archaeology as a material for precious items such as jewellery.