Iron Sulfate

[AzoMittle]

So, I have a tad unusual question. I'm currently writing a paper for an Ancient Art History class, I've decided to this paper on how to write a paper, literally using traditional methods. I'm making neolithic stone tools, making my own paper, making my own ink, etc. from the ground up covering the different time periods we are talking about. For the inks I am doing both a lamp black soot ink (yes, making my own lamp black) and an iron gall ink.

 

Iron gall ink is made from a combination of Iron(II) sulfate heptahydrate and tannic acid extracted from oak galls via fermentation or boiling, and fixed with gum arabic or egg white. Traditionally the iron sulfate would be made with scrap iron and concentrated sulfuric acid, I don't like the idea of working with any kind of concentrated acid though.

 

So, two questions:

 

1) Is anyone here willing to make some and send it me? My other option is to buy a pound or so off of Amazon.

 

2) Is there any pyrotechnic use for it? If I buy it off Amazon I will probably have a lot leftover, I know other sulfates (especially copper) are used in pyro but I've never seen mention of iron sulfates. The heptahydrate can be turned into the tetrahydrate if water content is an issue.

[OldMarine]

Sulfuric acid is no more dangerous than many pyro chems we mess with. I use it almost weekly as a plumber to liquefy grease in drain lines in restaurants. Proper PPE and good airflow are required and a bucket of cool water is recommended for some uses not to be mentioned here. It can be purchased at most big box stores and plumbing supply houses.

[NeighborJ]

Sounds like OM just volunteered to make you some.

[OldMarine]

Sounds like OM just volunteered to make you some.

 

I'm no chemist but I have a couple of gallons on my truck! I've got tons of scrap iron available as well. Send me instructions and I will provide.

Edited August 31, 2016 by OldMarine