Fordite: A Man-Made Mineral

Historically, industrialization has not left behind the most beautiful things, but every once in awhile the byproduct of machines can create serendipitous treasures. One such treasure, is Fordite.  As a Michigander, I am always intrigued by a little bit of Michigan history, especially when it involves art.Fordite is a rare mineral that can only be found in old auto-painting factories in Detroit. It was created when enamel paint from auto painting overspray built up and was heated and baked over and over. The paint layered itself on the tracks that cars where hand sprayed on, and made layers of color. When the buildup got to large and obstructing, it had to be chipped off, creating these almost psychedelic rocks that artists quickly recognized as a potential commodity.Auto painting is now completely automated, and paint buildup like this no longer occurs, making Fordite very rare. Artists now take Fordite and craft it into jewelry, sculptures, and even knife handles. Not only is it cool to look at, but it is eco friendly as a recycled material, and an awesome piece of history. Check out some Fordite products on Etsy.Image by Elaine Sweeney