Bloomery

A bloomery is an ancient type of furnace used to extract iron from its ore, primarily used before the advent of modern smelting techniques. In a bloomery, charcoal is burned at high temperatures, which reduces iron oxide in the ore to produce a spongy mass of iron called "bloom." This process typically results in a low-carbon iron that can be shaped easily. Bloomery technology was important for early iron production, contributing to the development of metalworking and the iron age, influencing tools, weapons, and various industries throughout history.