A Ghost Story: Remnant Structures in Corroded Ancient Iron Objects

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe applicability of a broad spectrum of laboratory analytical methods to the study of remnant structures still observable in the corrosion products of ancient iron objects is discussed. These methods range from examination by light optical microscopy and SEM to direct microanalysis using x-ray mapping in EPMA. Samples ranging from low carbon iron to steels to cast iron have been examined and it has been found possible to observe remnant structures and infer fabrication information from the large majority of objects studied. The author thanks the Nathan Rubin-Ida Ladd Foundation for its support.