what type of "metal" is this?

i got some lifting weights (about 100 pounds) and a magnet sticks to them, but when i take a grinder to them there are no sparks and they break super easy. any ideas? im stumped

so what would i bring it back as? i can break it in half and its still magnetic on the inside

Is it maybe ferrite with an outer coating like rubber or plastic? Ferrite is magnetic but can be kinda soft but won't throw sparks. Other than that, I donno,,, Let us know when u find out, Please.

Very well could be ferrite, similar to what is wrapped around the copper on the collars for CRT tubes.

the weights had plastic covering the "metal". I forgot to say, it is only slightly magnetic, but a magnet still does still, but not as strong as it would a piece of steel

A magnet won't stick to lead,,,,hmmm

also forgot to add its black

It's black on the inside??

If you look at what the copper wire is wrapped around up on the tube of a tv or monitor, on the neck area, that is ferrite. It's almost black,,

yeah its like an off black. i will get pictures in a bit

picture might help

weight plates are commonly made out of cast iron, sure there's no sparks at all?

here is a picture

http://s1203.photobucket.com/albums/...606112037a.jpg

if i push it really hard against the grinder it will shoot very little sparks. any ideas?

Really looks like ferrite to me judging by the picture

sorry if its not a good picture, i took it with my phone. is it worth any money?

Same as steel or iron, take your pick

so just throw them in my #1 iron pile?