Hi Dana
While I don't have any references, I do have personal experience in burning gorse, and have some experience in working with iron and steel. In my experience gorse wood burns extremely hot and would be able to be used in the smelting of iron.
Cheers John
-----Original Message-----
From: The archaeobotany mailing list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Dana Challinor
Sent: Friday, 20 May 2011 11:06 p.m.
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Ulex/Cytisus and smelting
Hello everyone,
Has anyone any evidence for the use of Ulex/Cytisus in iron smelting? I have large quantities of (probable) gorse charcoal from a couple of early medieval furnaces in west Wales, but my understanding from the metallurgist is that gorse is not considered a suitable fuel for smelting. Any references or ideas would be much appreciated.
Many thanks,
Dana
Dana Challinor, MA (Oxon), MSc
Freelance Wood and Charcoal Specialist
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