Investigation of the Structure of the Ancient Copper Smelting Furnace in Western Javadiyeh, Kerman: Petrographic and Geochemical Analysis of Slags

Abstract

The present study investigates an ancient smelting furnace located 19.5 km west of Javadiyeh and 51.5 km southeast of Bafq in Kerman Province, Iran, with an area of 216 square meters and geographic coordinates (356007, 3448674).The research was conducted using field surveys, sampling of slag, ore-bearing rocks, and flux materials, followed by data analysis through petrographic and ICP-OES methods.The results indicate that the furnace was designed for smelting copper ores, utilizing andesite and dacite as host rocks for copper minerals such as malachite, chalcocite, and chalcopyrite.Carbonate rocks, quartz, schist, and sodic feldspar were employed as flux materials in the smelting process.The furnace design comprises three main sectionssmelting, tapping, and molding-distinguished by specific elevation differences, reflecting the advanced technical expertise of its builders in managing metallurgical processes.Petrographic analysis of the slag confirms the presence of minerals such as pyroxene (green swallowtail-shaped crystals), olivine (colorless elongated blades), wüstite, and copper sulfides (covellite and native copper), suggesting a reductive environment and high temperatures of approximately 1200°C.Pores observed in the slag indicate rapid solidification or gas release.Chemical analysis reveals elevated levels of Fe₂O₃ (26.09-53.75%),SiO₂ (27.35-51.13%),and CaO (11.05-14.66%),confirming the formation of fayalite and the use of siliceous and alkaline fluxes.The copper content in the slag (14,044-20,737 ppm) suggests either incomplete smelting or the use of high-grade ore, while the low sulfur content (0.16-0.20%) indicates strongly reductive conditions.These findings establish the Western Javadiyeh furnace as a notable example of copper smelting technology in Iran's Central Plateau, designed with optimized resource use and precise control over extraction and smelting processes.This research underscores the significance of ancient metallurgical knowledge and highlights the need for further studies to deepen our understanding of such technologies.

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