Preliminary archaeometallurgical studies on copper extraction from polymetallic ore sources in Meymand, south central Iranian desert

摘要

AbstractThe occurrences of polymetallic sulphide and arsenide deposits (Cu, Cu?+?Fe?+?As, Cu?+?Au?+?Fe, Cu?+?Zn) in Meymand, central Iran, make this region as one of the most important areas for studying the beginning of metallurgy on the Iranian plateau. This research focuses on preliminary studies of smelting slags used for metallurgical purposes in the Meymand area. The slags were studied using XRD, including the Rietveld refining measurement for determining the crystalline phase composition. Cluster analysis was calculated using a correlation matrix and euclidean distance in the XRD pattern. XRF analysis was used to determine the major, minor and trace elements compositions. Mineralogical-petrological phase interpretation was carried out by polarization microscopy. The main segregation consists of augite, fayalite, clinoferrosilite and different phases of copper sulphides. According to the thermodynamic stability field of minerals, copper was extracted at approximately 950–1100?°C from an oxide-sulphide ore mixture.