Detroit Agate: A Story of Automotive History

Have you heard of Fordite, Corvettite, or Detroit Agate?

Don't worry, I wasn't familiar either. However, I am so excited to share it with you!

Detroit Agate, or Fordite as it is also known as, is a man-made agate that is created in the automotive industry. A member of my Corvette group received a gift of a piece of "Corvettite" (Fordite or Detroit Agate that specifically is from the manufacturing of Corvettes). I immediately began researching this and low and behold, Santa brought me a piece of Corvettite of my very own for Christmas! The pieces are formed from paint "slag" produced by the process of painting cars in an assembly line. During the painting process, the paint overspray that gets onto the floor, drains, grates, etc. layers up over time. It also gets baked several times, as heat curing is sometimes a part of the painting process. These remnants of layered paint were presumably discarded and destroyed before it was discovered that it could be cut and polished into mesmerizing pieces of art and automotive history! What a great way to connect with these amazing machines.

Many years ago, paint contained lead so there was more caution needed when wearing or working with pieces of Detroit Agate from back in the day. Modern times have fortunately turned away from using lead in paint, so there is no need to worry about that today (unless you find some antique pieces!). 

I feel each car is a work of art on its own with somewhat of a personality ( I know, call me weird! ). Also, in a way, cars are sorta robots too - and being able to interact and mesh with our cars/robot friends is kinda neat in its own way! Have you seen the movie How to Train your Dragon? Aren't cars kinda our dragons of modern day?? ;)