Detroit Agate...or..Fordite

[ckrickett]

I have recently learned about Fordite and I am really intrigued!
Fordite, also known as Detroit agate, is old automobile paint which has hardened sufficiently to be cut and polished.It was formed from the build up of layers of enamel paint slag on tracks and skids on which cars were hand spray-painted (a now automated process), which have been baked numerous times. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fordite

I've seen few pieces, and some are quite pretty, seems like something that might be great for fun pieces, and I love the recycled/eco-friendly side of it!

 

[Niel]

Neat!

 

[movie zombie]

I wear rings that look much like the two you posted but mine are with real stones...and yes, they are huge.
I love Fordite and would wear it as well.
recycling at its best?!

 

[JewelFreak]

That's really cool. It looks Art Deco. I love the cufflinks.

 

[ckrickett]

That's really cool. It looks Art Deco. I love the cufflinks.

I loved the cufflinks too!

 

[kenny]

That's awesome!

… talk about making lemonade!

 

[Lady_Disdain]

Just a warning: many older car paints had lead in them. The main problem would be in dust during the cabbing process, not in wearing them, but each person should make their own decisions.

This may be interesting. A car enthusiast working on a 1985 car is worried about lead. Down the page, a poster posts an answer from the California Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/27124-there-lead-automotive-paints.html