"...My mother has several cast iron pans, in fact she gave me the two I have years ago. She washes them with soap and water and has done it since I can remember. She has had them for over 60+years (she’s 78-years old) they are seasoned (as are mine) great. There is a good somewhat shinny black coating on them..."

Mine did the same thing. Sadly, I don't have that jet black skillet anymore...