Copper Firebrick 8 X 6mm post earrings 4939
8 x 6 mm Copper Firebrick earrings in 4-prong sterling silver posts. Copper Firebrick is from the old hand-fired copper smelters of the Calumet & Hecla Mining Co. in Hubbell, Michigan. The old smelters were built in 1885/86 and by the end of the 1920's modern furnaces were added. The...
$89.00
8 x 6 mm Copper Firebrick earrings in 4-prong sterling silver posts.
Copper Firebrick is from the old hand-fired copper smelters of the Calumet & Hecla Mining Co. in Hubbell, Michigan.
The old smelters were built in 1885/86 and by the end of the 1920's modern furnaces were added. The smelters continued to operate until 1968. They were closed and dismantled between 1968-1973.
Over the years the smelting process resulted in the firebrick absorbing molten copper and other metals from the ore charge. When the smelters were torn down the local rock-hounds and lapidaries quickly discovered the copper impregnated brick made beautiful clocks, bookends and jewelry.
This is a rare piece of Michigan history.