Iron is the most used of all metals and accounts for 95% by weight of metals produced worldwide. Its low price and high strength properties make it indispensable for use in automotive, ship hull construction, and as a structural component of buildings. Steel is the most well-known iron alloy, and other uses of iron include:
Pig iron: Contains 4%–5% carbon and varying amounts of impurities (such as S, Si, P). It can be considered as an intermediate product on the way from iron ore to cast iron and steel.