blast furnace: an enclosed structure that heats materials with a current of air under pressure; used for reduction of ores

bloom: a mass of wrought iron from a forge or furnace that is hammered into a bar

bloomer: a person who operates a bloomery forge

bloomery forge: an open structure used to heat materials; used to process ores

cast iron: a hard, brittle iron; often poured and cooled in molds

cord: a unit for measuring wood; it equates to 128 cubic feet, or a 4’x4’x8’ stack

colliers: people who produce charcoal

fuel: material used to sustain fire

flux: substance added in the processing of iron ore to remove impurities

hand muckers: a man who shovels ore in a mine

impurity: an unwanted substance mixed with a mineral

mineral: a naturally occurring substance; neither plant nor animal

pit mine: mineral source where ore is extracted from surface deposits

process: to treat or prepare

scrip: a certificate that is a form of payment but is not currency and is recognized by the payer and payee

shaft mine: mineral source where ore is extracted from beneath the surface

silicosis: a lung disease caused by breathing in silica (such as quartz) particles

slag: waste product of iron processing; glassy residue formed from limestone and waste materials

steel: very hard and tough iron; used in construction and railroads

triphammer: a very large power hammer having a head that is raised and then allowed to drop with the force of gravity

wrought iron: a malleable, soft iron; worked into shape by blacksmiths and artisans