The fossilised egg of an iron dragon...?
This lovely textured stone is from the collections at Manchester museum. The iron content that makes up the rock has rusted in the atmosphere over time and weathered beautifully exposing different layers. Rust is something we're used to seeing in man-made metal objects, but here it is in a natural, organic object.
I have sculpted this ring in an iron and resin composite. It starts off pale and gradually darkens as the metal content oxidises within. The little old metal hammer I acquired (origin unknown!) has been rusting for such a long time it looks like it has formed organically rather than being intentionally manufactured.
More close ups of the rusty rock from the museum
One of these unique experimental rusted rings are available online Craft & Culture here. Smooth to the touch from the hand shaping and polishing this one is also sculpted around a piece of peacock ore mineral inclusion embedded withing with purple and gold tones.
I am currently researching more textures of objects in Manchester Museum, really looking forward to sharing the fruits of my labours soon...