OOAK Cabochon - Freeform Oval - Leland Blue

Leland Blue, is another by-product material from mining. This particular gem is from the short-lived days of smelting iron ore in Northwestern Michigan. The Upper Peninsula Mesabi iron ranges supplied the ore. A high grade charcoal made only from beech and maple combined with local limestone flux reduced the iron ore to pig iron, creating a unique foundry glass as a by-product. Smelting began in 1875 and by 1900 had ceased due to lack of hardwood. The byproduct was dumped into Lake Michigan and shows up from time to time on the beaches from Leland to Traverse City.

30mm x 35mm By the each.