Copper Firebrick Decorator
Copper Firebrick
Firebrick is from the old, hand-fired copper smelters of the Calumet & Hecla Mining Co. in Hubbell, Michigan.
The old hand-fired smelters were built in 1885/86 and by the mid-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, local rock-hounds and lapidaries quickly discovered the copper impregnated bricks made beautiful clocks, bookends and jewelry.
This is a rare piece of Michigan history.