I hope these references will help.
Metallurgy - E.L. Rhead (London 1895-1939) "Native copper often occurs with
copper ores, sometimes in masses ..... In the Calumet, Hecla and other mines
about 2% of native copper mainly in small grains is distributed through the
rock...."
Metals - C.L. Bloxam (London 1882) "Native copper........Metallic copper is
also found in granite in Cornwall, North Wales and in many other parts of
the world..."
The Common Metals - A.H. Sexton and J.S.G. Primrose (Manchester about 1910)
"native copper....occurs in small quantities in most copper districts"
Metallurgy - J. Percy (London 1861) "Native copper - It is not an unfrequent
constituent of certain copper ores..." From later text probably oxidised
ores.
In the ancient world there may have been many small occurences of native
copper. I cannot see how they can be in the sulphide ores and so they will
have been worked out with the oxide/carbonate ores which were used up long
ago. The usual sources will only tell of the commercially exploitable
deposits. Of these the Chinese could have been a much more likely source for
the Middle East than America.
If American copper was sent to Europe what did they take back in payment?
There should be some evidence of something durable that came from Europe.
They wouldn't keep sending it for no return.
Peter Hutchison
----- Original Message -----
From: Doug Weller <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, June 04, 2000 9:10 PM
Subject: Sources of European native copper
> Can anyone help me with this question?:
>
> "There are several mysteries concerning the Mediterranean use of native
> copper during the early days of metal use. As I posted earlier, the
> initial
> copper used in the Mediterranean area was native copper. But, I could not
> find
> any references to local sources for this native copper. There is lots of
> copper
> in the region, but the types of deposits present are not those which
> normally
> have native copper. "
>
> I hasten to add it isn't my question, it's part of a misguided attempt (at
> least I strongly think
> its misguided) to claim that Michigan copper was sent in large quantities
> to Europe about 4 millennia ago!
>
> Thanks.
>
> Doug
> --
> Doug Weller Moderator, sci.archaeology.moderated
> Submissions to:[log in to unmask]
> Doug's Archaeology Site: http://www.ramtops.demon.co.uk
> Co-owner UK-Schools mailing list: email me for details
>
>
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