Iron ore in the form of magnetite, hematite, limonite, and laterite is extensively found in various parts of the State of Hyderabad in almost all the geological formations, from the Dharwars up to the Deccan Trap laterites. Iron smelting seems to be done since late neolithic times as is evidenced by the association of neolithic artifacts with iron slags, tuyere, etc. The bloom from which cast steel of a very superior quality was manufactured was being exported to the far west.