Answer:
Iron ore is reduced to its metallic form through smelting which is called pig iron. It has a low melting point ( 12000C) as compared to steel ( 1400+). Depending upon the kind of reduction its Carbon content may vary between 4% to 3% with matching Silicon and Manganese content to make it harder or less harder, white, mottled or gray. Typically its hardness varies between 250 to 450 BHN( a measure of hardness), Tensile strength between 50 to 25 ks and % Elongation around 0 and 0.5. It comes in three qualities : White, Mottled and gray pig iron, name rendered as per their color and appearance. Pig iron is not used for working upon but it is the raw material for manufacturing various types of gray iron and steel.