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Not sure if the green is original or added now to make the writings visible. To survive 2000 years that green, whatever it is, must be super-durable.

But in general, if you hit an iron rod with another pointy iron rod, you'll probably leave a mark. Do it many times, and you have an inscription. Probably took a lot of work though, so the guy who owned it probably was quite busy for some time... Maybe a long road from Rome to London :)

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> The inscription was exceptionally difficult to read, partly due to corrosion, and is only legible now following work by conservators.

The article says it is made out of iron, but wrought iron is much more likely. The Romans would have been able to make a punch out of hardened wrought iron to mark this stylus.

> Not sure if the green is original or added now to make the writings visible.

I'd bet on the "added now", possibly by 'shopping the image ...

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