Copper

Copper wire is the primary material I work with in all of my pieces. I receive each gauge of wire I use in spools.

Copper is one of the few materials that is 100% recyclable. So, the wire I receive is most like derived from recycled material.

But ever wonder where the copper originated from?

The metal copper was deposited from hot sulphur-rich solutions created in volcanic regions.

To make a million year story short, this sulphur solution leached copper and other metals out of the surrounding rock. Once the solution cooled, copper-rich minerals can be formed.

Although rare, almost pure veins/sheets of copper are found in nature. The photo to the right shows a copper specimens from my own collection.

Most copper is actually obtained from copper ores (minerals containing a significant amount of copper), the most abundant of which is chalcopyrite (also called the ‘Peacock Ore’).

Image by WhisperingJane_ASMR from Pixabay

Most people recognize chalcopyrite by the gold/red/purple/blue iridescence. However, fresh exposed chalcopyrite is a golden colour that is often confused for gold by amateurs.

The peacock iridescence is a tarnish created when the chalcopyrite is treated with acid. Although blue and purple iridescence can happen naturally, most the chalcopyrite you see is enhanced by a chemical treatment.

Some other copper ores you may have hear of include: malachite, azurite, and chrysocolla.

Check out some of my future posts to learn more about these colourful copper ores.