Cast iron is a type of metal that is used to make all kinds of things from frying pans to big machines. It's made by melting iron and adding other things like carbon and silicon, which help to make it strong and hard.
The melted iron is poured into a mold, which is like a big cookie cutter that makes the iron take the shape of the thing it will become. The iron is left to cool down and harden in the mold.
Cast iron is different from other metals because it's very heavy and strong. It can handle high temperatures without melting, which makes it perfect for things like cooking on the stove or in the oven.
Sometimes people say that cast iron is "seasoned." This means that it has been treated with oil or other things to make it even better at cooking. This also helps prevent rust from forming on the surface of the iron.
Cast iron is really great because it lasts a long time and can handle a lot of wear and tear. So next time you're frying up some eggs or using a big industrial machine, you might be using cast iron!