Forge scale, hammer scale, and anvil dust are all synonymous with the dark powder and grey flakes that result from flash rusting at +1000°F. When steel is brought to these temperatures oxygen in the air reacts with iron to rapidly form iron oxide. Rust is also an iron oxide but forms in the presence of water very slowly over time corroding and weaking the metal. Unlike rust, forge scale creates a protective layer on the surface that can actually protect from corrosion.
Many traditional folklores associate anvil dust with protection when used in rituals and other spiritual practices.
Production Process:
I generate a fair amount of the black powdery sunstance and the grey flakes when striking hot steel on my anvil. Originally manufactured in 1908 by the Hay Budden company in Brooklyn NY, this anvil has been around for a lot of history. I regularly sweep up the powder and flakes while I'm working from around my anvil and stand for collection into individual vials.
Product Specifications:
10mL vial has ~16-18 grams of anvil dust
15mL vial has ~26-28 grams of anvil dust
Both vials sizes come in a small burlap sack for storage and an eye hook to hang the item up if desired.
