Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c27.s3.t1.3

v1.c27.s3.t1.3

The rust scales from the Koṇārka beams have been analysed by Ghosh (1963: 41-42) The magnetic portion is about 98 per cent whereas the figures for the Delhi Iron Pillar rust are 80 per cent (above ground) and 99 per cent (underground sample rust). X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the magnetic portion of the rust in the Koṇārka beams mainly consisted of magnetic goethite, and a small proportion of lepidocrocite. There is some quartz in the non-magnetic fraction. The Delhi Iron Pillar rust showed considerable amount of Fe₃O₄ which was not further oxidised to Fe₂O₃.