Iron is transformed permanently by heating and quenching unlike gold

Evidence

Holding up a piece of iron ore and gazing at the insipid lump like Hamlet contemplating Yorick’s skull, Dad pronounced: ‘Now, if you want a truly magical substance, this is it: iron. The Wizard of Materials.’ — Yanis Varoufakis, Technofeudalism, 31

Categorization

• SEED: The gold-vs-iron distinction is a natural metaphor scaffold for a piece contrasting ornamental wealth that returns to its prior state with transformative materials that change permanently.
• XREF: connects to: The melting and re-solidifying of metals illustrates reversible material transformation — Yanis Varoufakis, Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism, 27; Technological mastery of iron separated thriving from perished civilisations; Mastering iron-hardening techniques determined which Bronze Age communities survived

Broader Connections

• Mastering iron-hardening techniques determined which Bronze Age communities survived #exemplifies (0.85)
• Technological mastery of iron separated thriving from perished civilisations #expands (0.80)