if i recall my ancient metallurgy and alchemy correctly it would go something like this.
being able to blend metals both liquid and ore/powder/solid to get the metal hardness/softness/colour that you want works towards chemistry which is a more modern name for alchemy.
similar to being able to pull the metal out of the ore. alot of diy blacksmithing starting from the rocks is simialr to alchemy in approach and techniques.
