Having just spent the last few hours enjoying Peter's Pancakes (TM), I can confirm it's a cast iron Le Creuset skillet, of the type used for household murders and guaranteed to cause RSI.

Remedy: buy spatulas rated for frying pans, usually stated on the label. High Temperature Polyvynide (HTP) or Teflon-PVC types are usually the best, but are a little more expensive.

Alternatively, a nice thin wooden spatula usually does the job if well oiled up front.