Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Metallurgy is the science and art of extracting metals from their ores, shaping them into useful objects, and studying their properties. It involves techniques such as smelting, casting, and forging.
Related terms
Bronze Age: A period in human history characterized by the widespread use of bronze, an alloy made by combining copper with tin. It marked a significant advancement in metallurgical technology.
Blacksmithing: The craft of working with iron or steel by heating it in a forge and shaping it using tools like hammers and anvils. Blacksmiths are skilled artisans who create various metal objects.
Alloy: A mixture of two or more metals that combines their properties to create new materials with enhanced characteristics. Examples include bronze (copper + tin) and brass (copper + zinc).