A group recently established in Ireland is attempting to re-discover Bronze
Age copper casting techniques, and to that end they have undertaken several
experimental work shops. To date, they have been using copper sheet as
their material source but they are now keen to experiment with primary
sources of copper ore. Obvious ores such as chalcopyrite are not available
in Ireland, while sulphate occurrences, such as azurite and malachite (which
I assume were the principal copper ores worked in the Bronze age), are of
limited extent.
Is anybody on the mail list aware of were appropriate copper ores might be
sourced - indeed any information about Bronze Age copper smelting and
casting would be much appreciated. Any replies will be passed on to the
group for direct follow up by them.
Thanks for any help in advance,
John Morris.
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