Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Welcome to the next chapter of the Utah Public Archaeology “Bringing History to Life” series! Today we will learn about one of the most important tools for a turn of the century miner: the carbide lamp. This lamp used an adjustable water drip and calcium carbide to create a chemical reaction that produced acetylene gas. The gas was then filtered through felt pad then out the burner tip located at the center of a reflector. Once lit, the acetylene gas provided a clear, and reliable source of illumination for the long shifts underground.
Today SHPO Public Archaeologist Ian Wright is joined by Utah Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining Archaeologist Tessie Burningham. Thank you Tessie, for joining us and sharing your expertise!
Welcome to the next chapter of the Utah Public Archaeology “Bringing History to Life” series! Today we will learn about one of the most important tools for a turn of the century miner: the carbide lamp. This lamp used an adjustable water drip and calcium carbide to create a chemical reaction that produced acetylene gas. The gas was then filtered through felt pad then out the burner tip located at the center of a reflector. Once lit, the acetylene gas provided a clear, and reliable source of illumination for the long shifts underground.
Today SHPO Public Archaeologist Ian Wright is joined by Utah Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining Archaeologist Tessie Burningham. Thank you Tessie, for joining us and sharing your expertise!
