Diverse
The metallurgical industry that existed between the 10th and 12th centuries at the Chahak site in southern Iran produced crucible steel with the addition of chromium, a mineral that has been used since the 20th century to make rust-resistant steel. A series of archaeological finds suggests that Iranian metallurgists were making an alloy of iron and chromium - what can be considered a precursor to modern stainless steel - as early as the second millennium, according to a study published Wednesday in the Journal of Archaeological Science. .