We discuss the iron and nickel properties in the nuclear X-ray reflecting region of the Circinus Galaxy , studied with XMM- Newton .
The main results are : a ) from the depth of the Fe K \alpha edge , a value of A _ { Fe } =1.7 in number with respect to the cosmic value ( as for Anders & Grevesse 1989 ) is measured , if the ( not directly visible ) illuminating spectrum is assumed to be that measured by BeppoSAX .
If the slope of the primary power law is left free to vary , a steeper spectrum and a lower iron abundance ( about 1.2 ) are found .
b ) From the Ni to Fe K \alpha 
lines flux ratio , a nickel-to-iron abundance ratio of 0.055-0.075 is found .
c ) The Fe K \beta /K \alpha flux ratio is slightly lower than expected , possibly due to a mild ionization of iron ( which however can not be much more ionized than x ) .
d ) The presence of the Fe K \alpha Compton Shoulder , already discovered by Chandra , is confirmed , its relative flux implying Compton–thick matter .
This further supports the identification of the reflecting region with the absorber .