Copper and Silver

Abstract

Sedimentary deposits of copper are common, contributing between 25 and 30 percent of the world’s production (Jacobsen 1975, table 1). Most of this amount, however, comes from one district, the Central African Copperbelt. Silver is almost always associated with the copper in these ores, and so will also be considered in this chapter. Also discussed are supergene deposits of copper and silver. Although of diminished economic importance today, they serve to illustrate the geochemical processes involved in ore-formation without some of the uncertainties associated with interpretations of the genesis of the larger deposits.

Now the fiery blood began to dissolve the sword in iron icicles. It was wonderful how it melted completely away, like ice when the Father who controls the tides and seasons looses the frozen shackles and frees the imprisoned waters.

Beowulf, line 1605–1610. From David Wright (trans.), Beowulf. (Baltimore, Maryland: Penguin Books, 1957, p.65.) Reprinted with permission of the publisher.