Alvdalens porfhyry mill started in 1788 by Erik Hagström. The mill produced decorative objects in porphyry, often with gilt bronze decorations. In 1818 the Swedish king Karl IV Johan bought the mill and started export of the swedish porfhyry to several countries, also trading it for gilt bronze objects from France, which were a passion of his. In the mid 19th century the mill was destroyed by a fire and after that the production came to a stop.