LuckyPoire t1_j7d1obq wrote on February 5, 2023 at 10:06 PM

I don't know if its traditional, but lead is basically the least reactive (corroding) non-precious metal. So for applications where metal needs be buried in the ground for a long time, lead is a pretty good candidate for those unconcerned with soil toxicity.

Copper is another but its generally more expensive than lead for non-decorative monuments. Unsecured metal tends to get re-appropriated for other purposes...especially when stored in an inherently insecure place like a property line.

Nowadays, steel meets all the demands without poisoning the salamanders.

wakka55 t1_j7dav8a wrote on February 5, 2023 at 11:13 PM

couldnt they like chisel a rock with their initials? digging up lead ore from a mine and refining it just to bury it for centuries sounds expensive still.

LuckyPoire t1_j7dcs3l wrote on February 5, 2023 at 11:27 PM

Since metal detection was invented I think metal has been preferred to rock for that reason.

But I think you are right that older markers were generally stone.

Riptides75 t1_j7dgofo wrote on February 5, 2023 at 11:56 PM

Lead was often a by-product of silver/zinc mining. It's also not so difficult to refine.

FoolInTheDesert t1_j7dkxly wrote on February 6, 2023 at 12:28 AM

Survey markers (the caps) are made of brass or aluminum these days, for the most part. Most are aluminum but the higher end ones, like USGS markers, are made of brass.