Possible artifact?

[Dougie Webb]

Yes, I know that's incredibly vague. I found this yesterday near the Ichetucknee River in Florida. About six inches deep. It's all iron. Heavily attracted to magnetic. It's the shape of it, the depth, the amount of rust, and the fact that it feels lighter than it should -- all those have me curious as to whether it might be some sort of artifact.

Not looking for help in identifying -- but want to know what techniques would be best to remove the rust without potentially destroying it. I thought about putting it in a rock tumbler but was worried that might mess it up. I currently have it in a homemade electrolysis bath and will check and see if that's working in a few hours.

Any other methods for getting rid of the rust buildup? Thanks in advance!

Size comparison

 

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[RTR]

Could be something good inside (it could be a conglomerate) .I wouldn't use a tumbler.

 

[Dougie Webb]

(it could be a conglomerate)

Thanks for the reply. When you say conglomerate, what exactly do you mean? I searched google but couldn't find a good definition as it pertains to metal detecting...

 

[Dougie Webb]

(it could be a conglomerate)

@RTR Do you mean something like this? This is an old hand-forged screw I found inside of what appeared to be rock upon first glance....

 

[RTR]

Thanks for the reply. When you say conglomerate, what exactly do you mean? I searched google but couldn't find a good definition as it pertains to metal detecting...

You say its Iron and a possible artifact.Here's a DIY system to find out (what it is and/or whats inside.

 

[Dougie Webb]

You say its Iron and a possible artifact.Here's a DIY system to find out (what it is and/or whats inside.

That's a great video - thanks for that.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Use electrolysis, it is a simple easy process...