Uncovering History: The Role of Iron in Metal Detecting
Iron: Its History, Properties and Use in Metal Detecting
Iron is a chemical element with the symbol Fe (from its Latin name ferrum) and atomic number 26. It is one of the most abundant elements on Earth, making up about 5% of the Earth’s crust by weight. Iron has been used for thousands of years due to its strength, durability, and versatility. In this article, we will explore the history, properties and use of iron in metal detecting.
History
Iron is known to have been used by ancient civilizations such as Egyptians and Greeks dating back to 3000 BC. The Hittites were also known for their production of iron weapons around 1500 BC which they used to conquer neighboring kingdoms. However, it was not until the Iron Age (1200-600 BC) that iron began to be widely used for tools and weapons.
During this period, people discovered that iron could be produced by smelting iron ore with charcoal or other fuels at high temperatures in furnaces. This process allowed them to create stronger and more durable tools than those made from bronze or stone.
Properties
Iron is a silvery-white metal that can rust when exposed to air or moisture. It has a high melting point of approximately 1,538°C (2,800°F) making it an ideal material for use in high-temperature applications such as engines and turbines.
One unique property of iron is its magnetic nature which makes it useful in metal detecting since ferrous metals are attracted by magnets even if they are buried deep underground.
Use in Metal Detecting
Metal detectors work by using electromagnetic fields generated by a coil within the detector’s head which interacts with any nearby metallic objects including ferrous metals like iron. When these objects come into contact with the electromagnetic field generated by the coil they cause interference which is detected by the detector’s control box causing audible signals indicating there may be something worth digging up.
Iron is one of the most commonly detected metals due to its abundance and magnetic properties. However, it can pose a challenge for metal detectorists since iron objects often end up buried deep in the ground and can be difficult to distinguish from other ferrous objects such as nails or screws.
To overcome these challenges, many metal detecting enthusiasts use specialized techniques like grid searches which involve dividing an area into smaller grids and searching each section thoroughly. They also use discrimination settings on their detectors which allow them to filter out signals from unwanted materials like iron.
Conclusion
Iron has a rich history dating back thousands of years and has been used for various purposes including tools, weapons, engines, turbines, and even in modern-day metal detecting equipment. Its unique magnetic properties make it both a blessing and a curse for detectorists but with proper techniques and discrimination settings they are able to uncover valuable finds hidden beneath the earth’s surface.