Subject: Re: [Homestead] Rare Viking-era shield found in Denmark
Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:01:56 -0500
> Don , I'll read all of the info later, but real quick, how did metal
> tools not rust to dust?
For the same reason that wood does not decay, a lack of oxygen. Rust is
iron that has oxidized. The tools were found in what was a shallow swamp
that later filled to become almost a peat bog. The organic mater sealed the
iron and wood off from oxygen. When these finds are uncovered special
preservation techniques must be used to prevent further deterioration.