Work

Microstructure of an extraordinary Bronze Age copper ingot with a high antimony content

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: The Cu ingot from Velem contains approximately 10 wt.% Sb, 4.5 wt.% As, 1.2 wt.% S and Ag, as well as other trace elements in an amount below 0.2 percent by weight. A Cu 2 S band running virtually across the entire width of the ingot suggests that it was formed by the reaction of molten Cu with antimonite (Sb 2 S 3 ). Remarkably, the generated cutting surface was not copper-colored but had a silvery appearance which, however, can be attributed to the high Sb content. The metallographic examinations revealed a very inhomogeneous structural composition of the ingot. Large areas consist of dendritically solidified Cu, while the interdendritic areas are characterized by mixtures of different phases of the elements Cu-Sb-As-S.

Source: Practical Metallography

DOI: 10.1515/pm-2022-1004

Authors: R. Haubner, S. Strobl

Institution: TU Wien

Language: English

Topic: Metallurgy and Cultural Artifacts

Subfield: Archeology

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,107

Funder: Technische Universität Wien Bibliothek