Fordite

[metalsmith]

Fordite otherwise known as Detroit Agate ... like / dislike? valuable / invaluable? ... discuss

[ajda]

I love it... not sure how valuable I'd rate it...
Alan

[Dennis]

Colourful, but in a stripy toothpaste sort of way https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fordite Dennis.

[mizgeorge]

Detroit? More like Dagenham here....

I've used it for commissions, but can't say I love it. Too many of the wrong colours for me

[Sammyjean]

Love it for the story it has and the way it was formed. I would think you'd pick one out of a pile which 'spoke' to you, and you'd love those particular colours but for its intrinsic qualities I wouldn't use it in my work. Thanks for introducing it though, I'd never heard of it before !!

[CJ57]

I know someone who uses somethings similar but my OH had been sworn to secrecy about it because it was her bespoke ingredient from a paint sho here! I would imagine as Sammy said that you'd maybe find a piece that jumps out at you. One article I scanned through said because the manufacturing that made it no longer exists it is a bit harder to come by so grab it when you can. Will that make it worth more, I don't know. Designer Cabachons are always selling pieces they say are rare but they aren't that expensive

[josef1]

I believe there is also Vwagate but it has lots of hidden inclusions