Iron powder has a very different character to the white powders. Soft (or 'German style') iron powder works particularly well on moderate to soft fine-grained matrices such as limestones. The high density spherical grains ‘pummel’ or ‘peen’ the surface using a percussive action to hammer away the rock. 

This finer version of iron powder will not be suited to the majority of jobs, as the grain size is so small, but is perfect for those very specific fossils that require a delicate touch.

Highly recyclable. The fines will be extracted away (but do not help much for fossil prep) and the larger particles can be swept up from the base of your blast cabinet and sieved for reuse (the Impact 150 micron sieve does the trick perfectly). Do bear in mind that iron powder by nature can go rusty when in contact with oxygen, therefore clumping together and potentially causing a clog if left out, left in the tank or used in airlines without adequate filtration (we recommend the Dropout Filter Kit).

It is 4 on the Moh’s Hardness scale, but can appear to be more aggressive as a result of the density and force with which the particles hit the surface of the rock. Not to be used in an abrasive unit that uses an electromagnet (magnet being the operative word!).

Fines can be explosive and may be ignited by heat, friction, sparks or flames and so care must be taken. Iron powder is combustible, and not recommended for use within a blast cabinet with a light that isn't completely sealed from the environment. LED lights or external LED lights preferable. Chance of explosion is incredibly rare, and we supply a grade of iron powder with limited fines to mitigate this risk. Make sure that your dust extraction system is grounded.

Learn more about air abrasive units here.