How are Ferro Rods Made?

Ferro Rods are made from a man-made metallic alloy, which is a combination of various metals (see Why Does Metal Spark When Struck?). The exact chemical composition of a ferro rod varies from one manufacturer to the next, but a typical rod consists of 50% cerium, 25% lanthanum and 19% iron. There are also trace amounts of praseodymium, neodymium, and magnesium. Manufacturers may use a slightly different percentage of each metal, as well as additional materials, in order to alter the spark producing qualities in their efforts to make the best Ferro Rod.