sedimentary rocks
Q. Which ores is rich in copper?
List of copper ores
Table of Contents
| Name | Formula | % Copper when pure |
|---|---|---|
| Chalcopyrite | CuFeS2 | 34.5 |
| Chalcocite | Cu2S | 79.8 |
| Covellite | CuS | 66.5 |
| Bornite | 2Cu2S·CuS·FeS | 63.3 |
Q. What are the important ores of copper?
The main copper sulphide minerals are chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) chalcocite (Cu2S), covellite (CuS), bornite (Cu5FeS4), tetrahedrite ((Cu,Fe)12Sb4S13) and enargite (Cu3AsS4). The largest source of copper is from porphyry ore deposits in which one or a combination of the aforementioned minerals occurs.
Q. Where is copper commonly found?
In South America, Chile, the world’s largest producer, and Peru are both major producers of copper. Large copper deposits are also found in Canada, the Ural Mountains of Russia, and parts of Africa.
Q. Does the human body use copper?
Copper is an essential trace mineral necessary for survival. It is found in all body tissues and plays a role in making red blood cells and maintaining nerve cells and the immune system. It also helps the body form collagen and absorb iron, and plays a role in energy production.
Q. Why is copper important to the economy?
Copper is an alloy with numerous useful properties. It effectively resists corrosion and is a very efficient conductor of electricity and heat. Therefore, it is economically important to the electrical power industry, as well as electronic product manufacturing and the production of industrial machinery.
Q. What is the value of copper right now?
Copper
| Copper | Price/lb. |
|---|---|
| Bare Bright Wire (stripped/shiny) | $3.85 |
| #1 Tubing (clean tube/ clean fine wire) | $3.75 |
| #2 Tubing (paint/solder/burnt wire) | $3.45 |
| Tin Plated (wire/bus) | $3.45 |
