Some experiments in prehistoric copper smelting

• Autores: W. Rostoker
• Localización: Paléorient, ISSN 0153-9345, Vol. 3, Nº. 1, 1975-1977, págs. 311-315
• Idioma: francés
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• Resumen

  • It is demonstrated that workable metallic copper can be produced by a simple two-stage process from chalcopyrite ore. This simpler process could have been in use before the more complicated multi-stage matte smelting process described in the historical documents on early technology. The simpler process would probably have been operable by any society in prehistory which possessed two-tiered pottery kilns. This simpler process may have been supplanted before recorded history by the matte smelting process because the latter permits recovery of precious metals (gold and silver).