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Would it be possible to have an advanced technological society without abundant iron? (continued)

Alex McDowell
London, UK

In many cases, non-ferrous metals can replace steel. We already use alloys of aluminium and titanium to save weight. Aluminium was discovered in the 19th century and was expensive because it requires electrolysis of the molten oxide to smelt.

It would be feasible to build steam engines out of bronze or brass – Thomas Savery’s first steam engine was built of brass, bronze and copper. Early cannons were also made from brass.

If iron were rare, then so too would be lodestones (magnetic…