Archaeologists have recovered many metal objects from the USS Monitor. These artifacts range in size from a gold ring to the revolving gun turret! Not only do the objects differ in size, they are made of many different types of metal. Because the metal artifacts have been in saltwater for more than 140 years, most are very corroded.

Once the objects are recovered from the shipwreck, they are taken to the conservation lab at The Mariners’ Museum to be treated. Conservators must treat each artifact so that it does not corrode any more.

One property of metals is how likely they are to corrode easily. Metals that are very stable and don’t corrode are said to be “noble.” Those that corrode more quickly are said to be “active.” Scientists list metals in order of their nobility. When in saltwater, the metals commonly used in the 1800s and 1900s range from very noble (gold at the top) to quite active (aluminum at the bottom).