Looks like a stone stopper to me. Any ideas what it is?

[Larryb]

 

[jewelerguy]

very interesting. some back story and perhaps a clue to the area it was found would help solve it

 

[tamrock]

Looks like the same material as a fire brick is made of. Maybe something to do with an old coke oven? To me it appears to have been subject to some high heat. Knowing a location and what else is found around where you found it may help at solving what it is? Does that whole go all the way through from one end to the other?

 

[creskol]

Part of a crucible mold maybe?

 

[Larryb]

It was found in a river in central Ohio. The Ohio / Erie canal ran close to the river in this area. The hole does not go all the way through.

 

[Tpmetal]

That is part of an iron furnace. Its a plug used to contain the liquid metal while melting. Then the plug is pulled and its drained into a crucible for pouring. We have a metal foundry here at the school I work at, so I'm like 90 percent sure

 

[Rookster]

All good reply posts, I don't have a clue but great find.

 

[Tpmetal]

Started thinking about it, and the other 10 percent of me thinks a ceramic kiln plug. Either way it was used in the process of getting stuff really hot

 

[Larryb]

Very cool. Thank you.