Can someone tell me why old bullets that come out of the ground are white. Is this an oxidation from the lead?? 
Can someone tell me
- Thread starter sasnz
- Start date
goldencoin
Gold Member
- Sep 27, 2005
- 5,669
- 446
- Detector(s) used
- Whites DFX & Beach Hunter ID
- Primary Interest:
- All Treasure Hunting
yes, it is lead oxidation, otherwise known as "lead rot" (doesn't actually rot)
HH
-GC
HH
-GC
diggummup
Gold Member
- Jul 15, 2004
- 17,815
- 10,120
- Detector(s) used
- Whites M6
- Primary Interest:
- All Treasure Hunting
Lead becomes "unstable when it is in contact with water (moisture) and air. It corrodes and forms CERRUSITE or HYDROCERRUSITE, which is the white coating commonly seen on old bullets. In all actuality,the hydracerrusite slows the corrosion of the lead.
RON (PA)
Silver Member
I just learned something new too. 
Thanks diggumup.
Thanks diggumup.
