Can Metal Detectors Detect Iron?

Ever wondered if your metal detector can pick up iron? Journey with us as we uncover the magnetic mysteries of these fascinating devices!

Iron is the most basic metal, that comes to mind when we hear the word “metal”. 

So is the metal iron capable of triggering the metal detectors to let us know their presence beneath the surface of the Earth?  

I had this same question and found the answer after years of discovering iron treasures with my metal detector.

So, let’s find out, Can metal detectors detect iron?

Yes, metal detectors can indeed detect iron since it is a ferrous metal. Metal detectors use electromagnetic fields to identify metallic objects, including iron. The detector signals when it comes into proximity with a metallic object, such as an iron piece, thereby helping users locate buried or hidden iron.

But there’s a lot more to know!

So, in the rest of the article, I will be talking about how metal detectors detect iron and what we can do with uncovered iron from the ground. 

So hang around till the end and find out more about this interesting metal and all the questions that have been lingering on your mind about iron. 

Let’s jump straight into the article, where I would be taking you through a journey of can metal detectors detect iron, 

Will Metal Detectors Detect Iron?

Metal detectors are more than capable of finding iron objects hidden in the Earth’s crust. 

Even the most basic metal detectors will show and guide you to finding your first piece of iron by metal detecting 

Metal detectors are specifically designed to identify between ferrous and nonferrous metals. 

While non-ferrous metals are somewhat harder to detect, ferrous metals on the other hand are very easy to detect and locate. 

Metal detectors work by emitting electromagnetic radiation into the ground. When this electromagnetic radiation strike on a metal object a counter-current system will form inside the metal. 

The produced amount of counter-current will depend on the ability of a specific metal to conduct electricity and its magnetic abilities. 

As iron is a very good conductor of electricity and has high magnetic properties, the produced counter current is very high. 

The countercurrent which is known as eddy current then travels in waves until it hits the coil of the metal detector on striking the magnetic coil of the metal detector, the metal detector will emit a sound or a visual signal, signaling its user of the presence of a metal. 

In the detection process, natural factors also play a major role. Natural factors could determine the fact if we are detecting iron or not.

What Does Iron Look Like in The Ground?

The best places to find iron might be anyplace. But mostly you can find pure iron from iron ores. 

Read to know the, Best Places to Find Iron in Metal Detecting!

To search for these iron ores, first, you have to know what would iron look like in the ground. 

Iron is buried in the ground, mostly in the form of iron ores. Apart from iron ores. 

Other sources of iron would be antique items, artifacts, and iron equipment, but these all are easy to identify due to their specific shape. 

Iron ore is not easy to identify. The underground iron ores contain different types of oxides combined with iron. 

These combined oxides will affect massively in determining the color of the iron ore.

Iron ores would have colors ranging from, reddish-brown, rusty red, or sometimes even black. 

As I explained earlier the changes of these colors are due to the composition and the geological features of the location. 

Sometimes iron would present in the ground in iron-rich concentrations. 

These are compact masses of iron oxides that have deposited on top of each other as a result of centuries-long precipitation processes happening in the soil. 

Iron also can be scattered in the subsoil layers. These iron particles will give a specific color to the soil, like reddish brown or a hue of that color. 

If iron objects, like artifacts, weapons, tools, and nails are buried in the ground, they would form rust over time.

So these also will be colored reddish brown due to rust formation. 

Best Metal Detectors for Iron 

Even the most basic type of metal detector is capable of finding and detecting iron from the ground. 

But at Detecting Treasures we don’t look for the ordinary. 

Here are the best metal detectors for detecting iron from the ground. 

1. Minelab Equinox 800: this metal detector is equipped with Multi-IQ technology. This technology allows simultaneously multiple frequencies which allow the detector to detect even the tiniest iron targets. 
2. Garrett AT Pro: this metal detector is equipped with an Iron Audio feature which let the user to iron from other metal objects easily.
3. XP Dues: this metal detector has a fast recovery speed. Which allows this detector to separate multiple targets in close areas. This is very helpful in iron-infested areas with large amounts of iron objects.
4. Fisher F75: there is a double filter discrimination setting in this detector. This setting allows the detector to focus on one specific target while eliminating signals from others.
5. Nokta Marko Simplex+: Iron volume feature in this detector allows the user to specifically hear for iron signals eliminating other nonferrous materials’ signals. 
6. Whites TreasurePro: This is also equipped with an adjustable iron audio feature. Which helps the detector to better detect iron substances.
7. Teknetics T2 Classic: this detector has incredible boost and cache processes. These processes provide the user with enhanced sensitivity and depth, allowing the user to detect much deeper iron targets.
8. Minelab Vanquish 540: This detector also has incredible discrimination and sensitivity settings which are highly adjustable. These highly adjustable settings allow the user to specifically look for a particular object by eliminating other targets.
9. Garrett Ace 400: the specific iron audio feature of this metal detector helps to distinguish iron targets from other targets easily.
10. Makro Racer 2: this detector is equipped with a Notch discrimination feature, which allows the user to exclude specific target IDs and look for other signals. 

How to Detect Iron with a Metal Detector?

Iron detecting is just like any other metal detecting process. 

Here are the steps that I follow to find iron during every meta-detecting trip.

1. First, you have to select the correct equipment. Selecting the correct equipment could go a long way. this doesn’t have to be the most high-end metal detector, but if you are familiar with the settings of your beginner metal detector, it is the best metal detector for you. 
2. After that, you need to carry out research. As metal detectors, we can’t search everywhere for iron. By doing research we can save time as well as energy. Usually, valuable information can be obtained just by googling or talking with experienced metal detectors.
3. Then set the settings correctly. Adjust ground balancing settings first. Then choose the right mode for you to engage in the metal-detecting process. And lastly, adjust the sensitivity accordingly. 
4. Then start sweeping the selected area. When sweeping go in a slow overlapping movement which will ensure the maximum coverage of the area chosen.
5. When sweeping pay attention to the signals from the metal detector. When a trigger is received, carefully dig into the ground and uncover the metal with equipment. 

How Deep Can a Metal Detector Detect Iron?

Usually, every metal detector is capable of detecting metals up to a certain depth on the earth’s surface. 

Usually, this value lies around somewhere between 8-12 inches. 

But some factors could affect the detection depth of metal detectors. 

So here are some factors which could determine whether you can find iron by metal detecting or not.

The Technology of Metal Detectors

Generally, there are two metal detector technologies these are namely Very Low-Frequency Metal detectors and Pulse Induction metal detectors.

These two metal detector technologies have different and unique capabilities. 

But out of the two metal detectors, Pulse Induction metal detectors are capable of finding targets at greater depths than the other metal detectors. 

So if you have a pulse induction metal detection, the chances of you finding a deeper iron piece is higher than that of your friends. 

Size of the Coil

As the size of the coil increases in a metal detector, the detection depth also increases. 

So if you have a bigger coil like a 10-inch diameter coil, there is a higher chance of finding a more profound iron piece with your metal detector. 

Size of the Target 

If the piece of iron which is hidden under the ground is larger in size, it produces a much higher signal than a smaller iron piece at the same depth. 

So if the iron piece is large it can be detected at a greater depth.

Ground Mineralization

There are specific ground conditions that influence the metal detecting of iron. If the ground is highly mineralized it is harder to detect iron pieces at greater depths. 

These are some of the natural as well as artificial factors which influence the ability to detect iron through metal detection apart from these other factors like sensitivity settings, environmental conditions, and user sill also could affect the depth in which iron could be detected. 

Valuable Iron Finds

Here are some of the valuable findings that you could uncover while detecting iron. 

Historical Artifacts

Among the things you could find, historical artifacts made out of iron have a lot of value these pieces could be worth hundreds even thousands of dollars according to the historical period they’re produced. 

Among the things you could find weapons, tools, armor, and decorative castle items takes the top of the list of worthiest iron artifacts. 

Historical Coins

Coins made in some eras and kingdoms could also be very valuable among the coin collectors community. 

Rare and old coins from historical periods or even limited edition coins could be found during metal detecting. 

Antique Locks

This is one specific item you could find during metal detecting.

These antique locks could hold more value than you think, as they could represent what technology was used back in the day. 

Decorative Ironwork

Decorative iron pieces from historical periods also could be found during metal detection. 

These could be from iron fences, gates, or even household and everyday equipment ranging from brooms to spoons. 

Military Relics 

These are specific niched items you could find during metal detecting.

These hold a more sentimental value than economical value. 

Shipwreck Artifacts

If you like adventure, and water searching for iron objects in shipwrecks might be your thing. 

Shipwrecks could yield so many iron artifacts ranging from iron cannons, and weapons to spoons and forks. 

These could hold a more antique and economical value as they are hard to uncover. 

How to Clean Iron Finds

Most of these valuable findings that you uncover from the ground are usually covered in heavy rust or mud. So they need a thorough cleaning process. 

Here are some steps that I follow when cleaning any iron finding that I unveil,

1. First inspect the finding carefully if it is fragile and can’t be restored at home, better to consult a professional than destroy your finding. 
2. If it is restorable at home, start the restoration process by brushing off the dirt and loose debris with a soft brush. 
3. After the dirt has been removed, soak finding in water for about an hour. Then using a brush, remove the remaining dirt and rust.
4. If there is any more rust, use a rust remover, and remove the rust. 
5. Then after all the rust and dirt have been removed, pat the finding with a soft dry cloth and then let it dry for a couple of hours. 
6. After it has been completely dried, store it in an air-tight container to avoid forming any more rust. 

Tips for Using Metal Detectors to Find Iron

Here are some tips to find iron at every turn of metal detecting,

The Best Metal Detector is Yours

Finding the best metal detector could go a long way in finding valuable items from metal detecting.

But the best metal detector doesn’t mean the most expensive metal detector in the world.

The best metal detector is the metal detector you are comfortable and familiar with. 

If you are familiar with your 00dollar metal detector, it could yield more valuable items for you than a 2000-dollar metal detector.

So be wise and chose the metal detector you are most familiar with for metal detecting iron.

Correct Settings, Happy detecting

Applying the correct settings and adjustments to your metal detector will ensure that you find iron at every possible opportunity. 

Correct settings can be identified by doing experiments or just by using someone. 

But I prefer to experiment and find out because what might work for me might not work for you, therefore the best way to find out what works for me is actually to experiment. 

Experience is Key

At last every metal detecting operation comes down to the experience. That doesn’t mean a newbie couldn’t find iron by metal detecting 

If you have the willingness to learn, you will gain experience in quick time. 

Just make sure to find your rhythm and try it on every metal-detecting journey with little tweaks. 

Does Iron Set Off Metal Detectors at Airport?

Yes. Iron is capable of triggering metal detectors at airports. 

The electromagnetic fields of airport metal detectors will be interrupted by iron. Then these will trigger the alarm and inform the security personnel nearby. 

So if you are traveling through airports, it is better to get a proper clearance or to keep any unwanted iron items at home.

Congrats folks! Now you know all about, whether can metal detectors detect Iron and how to find Iron treasures.

Historically significant iron-based treasures abound: for instance, the famous “Vasa” Swedish warship, sunk in 1628 and recovered in 1961, contained over 14,000 individual iron artifacts, demonstrating the wealth of history that can be uncovered through detecting iron.

www.sciencedaily.com

So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

FAQs

Did I cover all you wanted to know about Can Metal Detectors Detect Iron? 

In this article, I’ve deeply discussed can metal detectors detect Iron and how to find Iron with some useful tips and tricks that I mostly practice.

Metal detectors are designed to identify ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Iron falls into the category of ferrous metals, and could easily trigger the metal detector’s sensors to depict the presence of them. 

Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.

So, I hope there were answers to every question in your mind regarding iron metal detecting. any metal detector could detect iron, if you haven’t been lucky yet, just try once more and keep going until you find a piece of iron from your metal detector. 

I hope I covered all you wanted to know about Iron metal detection. 

So let’s take your loving detector and go for Iron treasure hunting!