Trying to identify a weird metal object found on a beach

[xtempore]

TL;DR Summary

This object was found on a New Zealand beach

This object, about the size of a tennis ball was found by my brother. It's metal. It's very hard. Cannot scratch it with a Stanley knife. Cannot break even a small piece off using pliers. Thrown with force at concrete and undamaged. Relatively heavy. My brother estimates similar weight to lead.
Any ideas what it is, OR how to test it?

 

[Baluncore]

That looks like a rare lump of osmiridium or iridosmine, an alloy of osmium and iridium. If it was, it would be worth about US$400 per oz, maybe much more to a collector of mineral specimens.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osmiridium

To identify osmiridium in the field, hit a bead with a big hammer. If the hammer head breaks, you know that it is good.

Take it to a place that has an XRF, maybe a geology department at a university, or a metal scrap recycler that sorts and supplies a local foundry.

Let us know what it turns out to be.

 

[bigfooted]

Can you determine the density by weighing it and determining its volume using the water displacement method? That would narrow it down pretty quickly.

 

[berkeman]

If it was, it would be worth about US$400 per oz

Maybe he should stop hitting it with stuff then?

 

[Baluncore]

Maybe he should stop hitting it with stuff then?

Yes.
It would be interesting to know the geology of the hill behind the beach. The path taken for a hard and heavy native metal nugget to reach the beach would suggest gold panning for other heavy native metals, some of which are even more valuable.

What was the latitude and longitude of the find?
Has there been any alluvial mining of metals in the area?
Was it a rocky beach with a steep, eroding cliff?
Could the nugget have been transported from afar by glaciation?

Iridium makes the best reflectors. Has a lighthouse above the beach ever burned down?

 

[hutchphd]

Maybe chromium?

 

[DaveC426913]

A quick Google images search suggests, if it's a natural nugget, it's likely not Osmiridum or Iridosmine - they don't seem to form bubble-like shapes:

But Hematite does:

Though it's density is even less than iron.

 

[tech99]

It looks a like iron formed by the Thermit process, maybe when welding railway lines or big cables.

 

[hutchphd]

Wouldn't it be rusty? (I honestly have no idea....)

 

[tech99]

The iron from Thermit does look exactly like the picture, but you must be correct about rust.

 

[DaveE]

I'll vote for botryoidal goethite or hematite cluster. The other suggestions are much more rare than iron oxides. "When you hear hoof beats, think of horses, not zebras."

Google says hematite isn't magnetic unless heated. The iron from thermite would be. You should be able to scratch it with quartz. Also a red/brown streak test would help. There's lots of mineral id sites on the web. Here's one I picked at random. https://geology.com/minerals/hemati...tremely variable,fibrous, oolitic, and others.
You might consider selling it instead of trying to ruin it. It's a spectacular specimen.

 

[Vanadium 50]

It's a pity the author is not following up.

"It looks like kryptonite" is all we can do from a photo. Obviously not so useful. The density, on the other hand, would tell us something. ("Similar weight to lead" is not so helpful - lead is 11, and brass is 9. Looks similar to me. And steel is 8) As would the hardness in a more quantitative way. (Steels are still an option) Maybe where it was found - just down the beach from "Billy Bob's Tungsten Emporium" would be useful to know..

 

[Baluncore]

@xtempore If we knew the nearest city location of the specimen now, we could arrange an XRF, which for heavy metals would be very satisfying and conclusive.

If we knew the geographic location (lat,lng) of the find from Google Earth, we could assess the geological possibilities.

 

[Borg]

I did a Google image search and the most similar images were listed as nickel.

 

[Baluncore]

I did a Google image search and the most similar images were listed as nickel.

Cannot scratch it with a Stanley knife.

Nickel is softer than a hardened carbon steel knife blade.

 

[Borg]

Nickel is softer than a hardened carbon steel knife blade.

I saw that he couldn't scratch it but I wondered if the effort he put into it was equivalent to his effort to follow-up on the thread.

 

[Vanadium 50]

The OP fooled us all. He hasn't been here since he posted his question.
We can guess, but any guesss that requires OP feedback isn't going anywhere.

 

[Daystar]

You could narrow the options by measuring the density. Weigh the object then get a large measuring jug graduated in ml or cm3. Put enough water in the jug so that when you put the object in it will be completely submerged but the jug does not overflow. Measure carefully the before and after volumes. The difference is the volume of the object. (Good old Archimedes). Then divide the weight in grams by the volume in cm3.
Densities of some common metals are:
Iron 7.85 g/cm3
Copper 8.94 ( I know it doesn't look like copper)
Silver 10.5 but too soft
Gold a whopping 19.3 but too soft
Tungsten also 19.3 and hard.

 

[xtempore]

Ah, so sorry for the lack of reply! I thought I'd get an email notification when someone commented. :/

Anyway, just got an update from my brother. He says it IS magnetic (as in a magnet is attracted to it).

I thought about using Archimedes test as well, but I don't have direct access to it. My brother's not very technically reminded, and I don't think he'd have an accurate scale to measure it.

From what I understand, it was near Marfell's Beach (-41.72433988098268, 174.20280210352044). To the best of my knowledge there isn't and has never been any mining around that area. There is a salt-works.

The rail-line is probably too far inland from the beach to be related.

Hoping to get access to it next time he comes for a visit!

 

[Vanadium 50]

If it is magnetic, it is likely some sort of steel slag.

 

[DaveC426913]

near Marfell's Beach (-41.72433988098268, 174.20280210352044).

Can you be a little more specific? 14 decimals only narrows it down to tens of nanometers.

 

[xtempore]

Lol. Yeah, just a lazy copy paste from Google Maps. ;)

 

[hutchphd]

Perhaps we should excoriate someone at Google Maps. Or marvel at our capabilities for global location........

 

[Rive]

Google Map link, if I got those numbers right

Nothing suspicious there, as far as I can see.

Google gives back some similar pictures for 'nickel nodule'?

 

[xtempore]

The image and description here probably give a pretty complete answer:
https://periodictable.com/Items/028.13e/index.qtvr.html

Basically, a by-product of electroplating.

 

[DaveC426913]

The image and description here probably give a pretty complete answer:
https://periodictable.com/Items/028.13e/index.qtvr.html

Nice likeness, but didn't we establish that nickel is too soft to resist being nicked?

 

[xtempore]

Nice likeness, but didn't we establish that nickel is too soft to resist being nicked?

I thought so too. I'm working with second-hand information from my brother. Nickel does have a Mohs hardness of 4 though. So it's about the same as steel. Give the shape of the nodules it'd be hard to really exert a good pressure with the blade, and given that they are of roughly equal hardness, maybe it's not going to be enough to scratch it noticeably.

Could the fact that this grows like a crystal mean it also has a greater degree of hardness when compared to ordinary nickel?

 

[Baluncore]

Could the fact that this grows like a crystal mean it also has a greater degree of hardness when compared to ordinary nickel?

Electro-deposited nickel tends to have voids, so I would expect it to be softer than a crystal grown slowly.

Compounds of nickel that form on, and protect the surface, may be many times harder than the native nickel metal.

 

[256bits]

So it's about the same as steel.

Hardened( 7) or mild steel( 4.5 )?
a jacknife blade should scratch the surface.

 

[numismaticneighbor]

I have one of those just like the 1 in the picture. But mine's much larger and it is magnetic. And you can't break it with anything. Not even the smallest peice will come off. If you like I could post a picture in my own thread.

 

[DaveC426913]

I have one of those just like the 1 in the picture. But mine's much larger and it is magnetic.

The OP misspoke. He called it 'magnetic', but he said 'a magnet sticks to it'.
So, what he meant was that it is ferromagnetic.

Presumably, this is what you mean too?

Pics? Location of find?

 

[numismaticneighbor]

 

[sophiecentaur]

View attachment 352854

Looks like one of my early welding efforts.

 

[Baluncore]

It could be a chemical deposition feature, that forms slowly on a piece of steel that was buried in the mud. Without environmental context, it is difficult to tell. I need the position of the find, as a latitude and longitude on Google Earth.

 

[DaveC426913]

I need the position of the find, as a latitude and longitude on Google Earth.

And please be precise!

 

[hbs10]

Hi apologies for intruding on your chat but I have been looking online as I have found an item on a beach /metal and wood) but haven't a clue what it is? How do I attach the picture on here?

 

[hutchphd]

Hi apologies for intruding on your chat but I have been looking online as I have found an item on a beach /metal and wood) but haven't a clue what it is? How do I attach the picture on here?

There is an icon in the reply menu or use CTRL+P on keyboard and follw prompts

 

[hbs10]

I figured it out, any advice welcome. Thankyou.

 

[Baluncore]

@hbs10
Welcome to PF.

That looks like part of a farm implement or cart from circa 1920.

The bolt-holes appear to be a casting, but the curved T-section would have been wrought iron. That suggests the iron part was fabricated, with welds near the casting. The two mild steel coach bolts have rusted away, faster than the wrought or cast iron material.

It might help if you could identify the Google Earth coordinates of the find.

 

[sophiecentaur]

How do I attach the picture on here?

I just use drag and drop from the original to where you want it in your text on my macbook pro. But then, Apple has always made life easy.

 

[hbs10]

@hbs10
Welcome to PF.

That looks like part of a farm implement or cart from circa 1920.

The bolt-holes appear to be a casting, but the curved T-section would have been wrought iron. That suggests the iron part was fabricated, with welds near the casting. The two mild steel coach bolts have rusted away, faster than the wrought or cast iron material.

It might help if you could identify the Google Earth coordinates of the find.

Hi and thankyou so much for replying that's fascinating.

I've only just worked out how to access this forum again, apologies for the delay.

It was in Tenby, wales, uk
51°40'14"N 4°41'46"W. Coordinates may be slightly different but it was near the rock pools. I didn't know the family member had found it until we were back in Birmingham.

 

[Baluncore]

I was hoping to identify the item from the local agricultural history of the location, but for Tenby, that would be tourism. Maybe it was a structural part of an old donkey cart.

I expect some implement, built a century ago, was left up on the cliffs, in the bushes above the beach, and that it disintegrated, or was cut up, and fell down onto the beach.

I don't think it is part of a set of steps, or a handrail that gave access to the beach, and can't see how it could be part of barbed wire beach defences from WW2.

Take a look at the ends of the 'T' section. Was it cut with a hacksaw?
Were the 'T' sections bent during manufacture, or when the structure was demolished?

 

[hbs10]

I was hoping to identify the item from the local agricultural history of the location, but for Tenby, that would be tourism. Maybe it was a structural part of an old donkey cart.

I expect some implement, built a century ago, was left up on the cliffs, in the bushes above the beach, and that it disintegrated, or was cut up, and fell down onto the beach.

I don't think it is part of a set of steps, or a handrail that gave access to the beach, and can't see how it could be part of barbed wire beach defences from WW2.

Take a look at the ends of the 'T' section. Was it cut with a hacksaw?
Were the 'T' sections bent during manufacture, or when the structure was demolished?

Thankyou so much for the information. It has helped me find some experts on farm/agricultural experts on the time period stated so maybe they'll know. I really appreciate your help.

 

[hbs10]

I just use drag and drop from the original to where you want it in your text on my macbook pro. But then, Apple has always made life easy.

Thankyou I managed to get the coordinates, much appreciated.

 

[Baluncore]

It has helped me find some experts on farm/agricultural experts on the time period stated so maybe they'll know.

Here is an old picture of St Catherine's Island, Tenby, Wales, with bathing machines.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathing_machine
The beach was used for bathing machines in Victorian times, maybe one was stranded and wrecked by a winter storm. Your find was from South Beach, behind, and to the right of the photographer.

Tenby is a lovely little coastal town set atop high sheer cliffs with lovely sandy beaches below. Crumbling castle walls surround much of the town dating back to Norman times, giving a glimpse of the towns history. The towns beaches and bays were also one of the places used by troops training in preparation for D-Day.
There’s an island close to the town with a fort built to defend the town against the French, it was a gun emplacement during the war before being converted to a zoo until it closed. It now caters for visitors during low tide when the beach between it and Tenby is uncovered.
We also tried to visit one of the islands not far off he coast but the weather has been against us with the boat trip being cancelled most days due to sweep. In Victorian times Tenby was the place to flee from the city to enjoy medicinal baths in its water. They even had bathing boxes on horse carriages.

https://www.leggingit.com.au/oh-tenby-love/

 

[Silver Streak]

I have this unknown specimen similiar to the one Xtempore has. This belonged to my deceased sister whom lived in North Central Florida. It is magnetic and weighs 89.0 grams & measures approximately 1.3/4" Long, by 1.1/2" Wide by 1.1/2" Height at the fattest side. I haven't beat on it but it feels quite hard. The center bubbles remind me of lead and the larger ones remind me more of the color of nickel. The bottom looks strange to me and little porous type holes are part of the metal.

 

[DaveC426913]

I have this unknown specimen similiar to the one Xtempore has. This belonged to my deceased sister whom lived in North Central Florida. It is magnetic and weighs 89.0 grams & measures approximately 1.3/4" Long, by 1.1/2" Wide by 1.1/2" Height at the fattest side. I haven't beat on it but it feels quite hard. The center bubbles remind me of lead and the larger ones remind me more of the color of nickel. The bottom looks strange to me and little porous type holes are part of the metal.

You could determine its volume by dunking it in a full container of water and measuring how much water was displaced. With the volume and mass, you could work out the density, which will give you a clue as to its elemental composition.


_{or you could cheat and use Google lens to look it up and it will tell you explicitly...}

 

[Baluncore]

Maybe it is an alloy of silver, copper, and nickel coins, melted during a house fire.

Find a big pawn broker, in a big city. They will often buy precious metals for scrap. You might claim you believe it is silver, and say you are considering selling it for scrap. They will do an XRF analysis of the heavy metal content to identify the composition before making an offer.

For example, if you are in Central Florida;
https://pawnorlando.com/gold-testing-service/

 

[pinball1970]

You could determine its volume by dunking it in a full container of water and measuring how much water was displaced. With the volume and mass, you could work out the density, which will give you a clue as to its elemental composition.


_{or you could cheat and use Google lens to look it up and it will tell you explicitly...}

Eureka!