Oh, let me tell ya, this “flux stone,” well, that’s a real important kinda rock if you’re lookin’ to make steel or pig iron. Now, it ain’t just any ol’ stone ya dig up from the backyard, no, no! This here stone’s special ‘cause it’s got what they call “flux” in it. Folks out there, especially them dwarf types in games and whatnot, they say if ya don’t got flux stone nearby, makin’ that steel is like fishin’ without a pole — near impossible.
What’s This Flux Stone Good For?
Now, flux stone’s good for purifyin’ metal, they say, helpin’ clear out all the grit and junk, kinda like when ya wash clothes to get the dirt out, right? Well, same thing here, only it’s for iron. To make steel, ya need pig iron first, and that’s where flux stone comes in, real handy. Flux stone helps make things stick together better, too, so the metal bonds nice and strong-like. Folks call it a “purifyin’” rock ‘cause it takes all that oxide mess away from the metal and makes it nice and clean for bondin’ and whatnot.
Types of Flux Stones
Now, there’s a buncha rocks that count as flux, so ya don’t gotta look just for one kind. Here’s a list of some:
- Chalk
- Dolomite
- Limestone
- Marble
- Sometimes, even borax, but only if it’s sittin’ in rock salt!
So if ya come across any of these stones, ya might just have a good source of flux on your hands. Ya see, these stones got somethin’ in ‘em that works real nice for cleanin’ up metal, and they’re easier to come by if you know where to look — though not all maps got ’em right at the surface. Some say they’re best found where sedimentary layers are, kinda like if you’re lookin’ for clay or them nice soft rocks that are easy to break down.
Using Flux Stone: Step by Step
Alright, so let’s say ya got yourself some iron ore and ya wanna turn it into steel. Here’s where that flux stone really starts earnin’ its keep:
- First, ya take that iron ore to a smelter — like one of them big hot ovens.
- Add some flux stone to it. Any of them kinds we listed will do, long as it’s got flux in it.
- Heat ‘em up together till it all starts meltin’. That flux will go to work, cleanin’ out any impurities, like it’s washin’ dishes after dinner.
- When it’s done, ya got what they call pig iron. This stuff’s what you’ll need if you’re thinkin’ of makin’ steel.
And just like that, if ya keep heatin’ it and addin’ the right stuff, ya get yourself some strong steel, the kinda metal ya need if you’re buildin’ somethin’ tough, like tools or armor.
Flux Stone’s Real Value
Now, let’s talk about what all this is worth. They say flux stone has a material value of 2, and while I ain’t one for numbers, sounds like it’s worth keepin’ around. And if you’re into tradin’ and bargainin’, well, some traders out there know the value of flux stone, ‘specially if they’re lookin’ to smelt steel or make tools. So even if ya ain’t buildin’ nothin’ yourself, might be a smart move to stash some flux stone away just in case.
Flux and The Dwarves
Ya know, them dwarves in games like “Dwarf Fortress,” they’re real picky ‘bout havin’ flux stone close by, ‘cause they need it for makin’ steel. If ya can’t find flux on your map, sometimes ya can request it from the traders, though it ain’t always guaranteed they’ll have it. But if they do, just make sure ya order it right from the “Stone” section, ‘cause ya don’t wanna end up with a block of flux that ya can’t even use. That’d be like orderin’ bread and gettin’ stale crackers instead!
Final Words on Flux Stone
So, if you’re plannin’ any kind of work with metal, findin’ flux stone might be just as important as gettin’ the metal itself. Chalk, dolomite, limestone, marble — any of ‘em will do the trick, long as they’re proper flux materials. And if ya can’t get your hands on any, best look for a trader or some kind of supplier, ‘cause tryin’ to make steel without flux stone’s about as useful as bakin’ a pie without sugar!
Tags：[flux stone, steel making, pig iron, chalk, dolomite, limestone, marble, metal purifying, Dwarf Fortress]
