This 10-ton chunk of iron formed in the hearth area of the furnace. While there are a number of things that can cause the formation of a salamander this one was probably due to a failure in the masonry of the hearth which allowed the molten iron to break through the side of the crucible. The deterioration of the firebricks from the heat and pressure of the molten iron is a possible cause. When this happened it caused a costly shut down so that the hearth could be rebuilt.
A salamander could also form on the side of the furnace stack if the ore and limestone were not properly loaded. In this case the salamander could clog one or more of the tuyeres and put the fire out by preventing air from getting into the furnace.
Since a salamander is a single large piece, it must be pulled out of the furnace in one piece as you see it here. Try to imagine doing the job with muscle power alone as it was done here. The combined efforts of a large force of men and oxen were probably required for the job. We do not know how often these failures occurred, but at least 13 salamanders like this one have been discovered at this site!
The next stop on the tour is located on the right side of the furnace. Please proceed there and click on the following link for a description.