Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c27.s2.t2.13

v1.c27.s2.t2.13

The sulphur content of the Delhi iron pillar is very low, according to all determinations, probably because charcoal was used in reducing the ore. Coupled with the fact that manganese-content of Delhi iron pillar is also very low, the low content of sulphur means that there are very few centers of iron-rich manganese sulphide in the pillar which could initiate pit corrosion by serving as effective local cathodes. The contents of Si, Cu and Ni in the pillar are also very low, these values being typical of the ancient Indian wrought irons.