Fordite, A Beautifully Colorful Gemstone-Like Byproduct of Early Auto Manufacturing Formed by Layers of Car Paint

Fordite, or Motor Agate, may look like a many-layered gemstone, but it is actually a byproduct of early auto manufacturing. The material was generated at auto plants back when cars were painted with hand sprayers. Excess paint would collect on the equipment and would harden into a rock-like enamel after repeated exposure to drying ovens. Fordite was originally considered a waste product but it is now highly sought after by collectors and jewelers. Urban Relic Design creates Fordite jewelry among many other upcycled products. Fordite products are also available at Wilson Rock and Silver Works.

photos via fissureprice

via Amusing Planet, DeMilked