What is this?

[605dano]

When out metal detecting Sunday I hit on this. Thinking it was another piece of lead I went to scratch it and could not with my fingernail. Pulled out my knife and was able to scratch it with difficulty. More like steel. Detector said non ferrous. Very heavy like lead or gold. Got home tried a super magnet on it, not magnetic. To hard for lead but what else could it be? Scratch marks can be seen in one of the photos.

 

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[Toecutter]

Where abouts did you dig it up?? could be silver....

 

[xr7ator]

I've found stuff like that. Then, I found an old window weight. It seems to be made of the same stuff. Maybe lead with something added to harden it?

 

[N-Lionberger]

Hot rock.

 

[Al D]

Test it for arsenic, it is probably hardened lead

 

[605dano]

I think it is some kind of hardened lead. It has all the characteristics of lead but was stumped by the hardness. Live and learn. Thanks for the replies.

 

[arizau]

A scratch test may help. Rub on unglazed side of ceramic tile or on underside of ceramic toilet tank lid.

 

[Gambrinus]

Maybe Galena?