Copper Ore:
Copper ore can be found in both ancient and younger rock formations as veins and bedded deposits. Mining copper is an expensive and time-consuming process because most copper ores contain only a trace amount of metal. Copper is a soft brownmetal found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
There are three primary Copper Ores i.e. Chalcopyrite, Copper sulfide, and Basic carbonates. During the extraction of copper from ores, a few other minerals and metals, such as gold, silver, lead, zinc, etc., are also extracted. Copper is resistant to corrosion and does not rust.
Copper ore has a moderate hardness, typically ranging from 3 to 4 on the Mohs scale. The specific gravity of copper ore ranges from 2.5 to 3.5, depending on the type and mineral content. It is a good conductor of heat and electricity. Copper ore is not highly reactive, but can react with strong acids and oxidizing agents.
Copper ore can range in colour from metallic red to black, depending on the type and mineral content. It is soft and malleable and can be easily bent or shaped without breaking. It also has high ductility, meaning it can be easily drawn into wires or sheets.
Uses of Copper Ore:
- Copper is a good conductor of heat and electricity. It is widely used in electrical works for making wires, generators, transformers, electronics, etc.
- Due to its high malleability, copper is commonly used in the metallurgical industry. It is used to make cables, fittings, and parts for automobiles.
- Copper is a good electrical conductor and is ductile (able to be drawn out into a thin wire). It is a vital metal used in the automotive and defence industries, as well as in the electrical industry for the manufacture of wires, electric motors, transformers, and generators.
- To make stainless steel is alloyed with iron and nickel. Morel metal is created by alloying copper with nickel. Duralumin is a metal alloyed with aluminium. It is known as ‘brass’ when alloyed with zinc, and ‘bronze’ when alloyed with tin.