Analyses and Evaluation of the Raw Materials Used in the Eaton (Hopewell) Furnace

Abstract

Analyses of samples of the raw materials locally available for use in the Eaton (Hopewell) Furnace indicate that the iron ore and bituminous coal were of good smelting quality while the limestone (flux) was not. The limestone had a much higher then desirable silica content and a low calcium content. The limestone was insufficient to the task of removing impurities introduced through the fuel combination of charcoal and raw coal and contributed to the early demise of the furnace operation only 6 years after its start.