Copper minerals under the microscope

Abstract: From many perspectives copper is a very important metal for the modern society. It can be found in everything from jewellery to electronics. For this reason it is very important for geologists to be able to develop efficient methods for identification, characterisation, extraction and processing of copper. One method for the identification of copper bearing minerals is ore microscopy which has been used in this paper along with a general introduction. Samples from the study collection of the Department of Earth Sciences and the area of Långban and Månhöjden have been examined, documented and described in detail. The thesis begins with an introduction to the history and geochemistry of copper along with some ore forming processes.