The Damascus Explained thread has become a "tad too large". I would like to throw out some definitions. They come from several sources.

If you find an error, or can think of a better definition, please feel free.

Any additional terms with definition are welcome.


BLOOM
A porous, impure mass of iron produced in a semi-solid condition as the direct result of smelting iron ore at temperatures below the melting point of the iron. Also known as a Loup.

CARBURIZATION
The absorption of carbon by iron heated in charcoal fire or other carbon rich atomsphere.

CAST IRON
Cast iron is made by remelting pig iron, often along with substantial quantities of scrap iron and scrap steel, and taking various steps to remove undesirable contaminants.

PIG IRON
Pig iron is the immediate product of smelting iron ore and limestone in a furnace.

SKELP
A long, relatively thin and narrow strip of metal intended to rolled and welded into tube or gun barrel.

SMELTING
Extracting metal from its ore by heating.

WOOTZ (Really looking for a simpler definition here.)
1.) A high carbon steel made in a crucible where the material is melted and has pronounced dentritic formation in ingot form (when cooled) and exhibits a macro pattern of cementite cluster sheets (carbides) when forged into a finished product.

2.) The material is a combination of iron, carbon and glass placed in a clay crucible and fired till it goes molten (thought there are a few other manufacturing methods in history). The iron will gather carbon from the charcoal and become steel and the glass will melt and act as a flux which will chemically bond with the impurities in the iron and remove them.
The molten steel is allowed to cool and the resulting solidified ingot is then removed from the crucible ( the crucible is broken).
It usually has between 1 and 2% carbon.

WROUGHT IRON
Shaped by any one of numberous rolling, pressing or hammering techniques, often, but not always, while at elevated temperatures. Originally produced directly from ore. Later remelted and purified PIG IRON in a blast furnace.

Pete