Another wootz question

[Jeff D]

Hi Gonzalo,

Vanadium, Molybdenum, chromium, niobium and manganese all produce the effect. The elements can be found naturally in different quantities in different ores depending on their source. These are the one mentioned by Verhoeven in his 2001 Scientific America article. I am sure there are others as well. I suppose these elements could have been added to the crucible, but, I am sure the ingredients would be a highly guarded secret. I suspect the additions were not entirely known or the smiths imported into Spain would have been able to reproduce the watered pattern from the local ores. Apparently they were not.

All the Best
Jeff