How to Separate Iron From Dirt

There are many reasons why you might want to separate iron filings and deposits from a collection of dirt or sand. You might be seeking to remove harmful particulates from an area where children play, like a sandbox. You may be looking to extract valuable metals from the soil but not want to invest in an expensive metal detector. Fortunately, the process is a simple one, using only a magnet and some common household implements.

Things You'll Need

• Strong magnet
• Sealable sandwich bag
• Piece of paper
• Cup

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Place the magnet inside the sandwich bag and seal it tightly.

   • 2

     Slowly drag the bag along the surface of the dirt. Metallic particulates will stick to the bag along with the dirt. Gently shake loose any nonmetallic material.

   • 3

     Scrape the iron filings off of the bag and onto the piece of paper with your hand.

   • 4

     Deposit the iron filings from the paper into the cup.

   • 5

     Repeat Steps 1 through 4 until no more iron filings are sticking to the bag.