Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c27.s1.t3.4

v1.c27.s1.t3.4

The above reference is clearly related to the organised industry in twelfth century AD. India producing crucible steel of good quality. Some of the adverse comments on the brittleness of Indian steel, quoted by Bronson, can be easily explained. India used to produce good quality steel (medium hardness and ductility), low-carbon soft iron, as well as high-carbon, hard but brittle steel. The last variety gave brittle materials when fabricated, but also served as a good source of carbon (vide Table 19.1).