Copper Firebrick 10mm pendant 4964

A 10mm round Copper Firebrick pendant in a sterling silver 4-prong setting. An 18 " sterling silver chain with spring ring clasp is included.  Firebrick is from the old, hand-fired copper smelters of the Calumet & Hecla Mining Co. in Hubbell, Michigan.  The old hand-fired smelter was built in 1885/86. and by the mid-1920's, modern furnaces were added.  The smelter continued to operate until 1968.  Over the years, the smelting process resulted in the firebrick adsorbing molten copper and other metals from the ore charge.  When the smelter was torn down, local rock-hounds and lapidaries quickly discovered the copper impregnated bricks made beautiful clocks, bookends and jewelry.    A rare piece of Michigan history.