This is the second in a series of geocaches we have placed in Tiveden to commemorate times past when the production of charcoal and iron was of great importance for the people in this vast forest.
Markebäcks furnace (masugn) was build by von Boij in 1643 in the small village Ljungås in Tiveden. The location was chosen due to the small river which gave power to blowers and a mill. The operation resulted in large quantities of dross beside the iron. The dross was deposited along the small river and can still be seen in many places,
When the furnace was closed, a factory for the production of carbon black* (kimrök) was built at the site. Access to flowing water again being the reason. The building fell down long ago. Be careful if you enter the ruin, it might be dangerous !
* Carbon black is used mainly as black pigment in paint, reinforcing filler in rubber and as conductor in antistatic materials.
The furnace can be seen on the map which was drawn in 1688.
The content of the geocache at the time of deployment can be seen in the appended picture.