Mineralogy and chemical compositions of ancient slags from Volubilis archaeological site and Awam ancient mine (Morocco)

Mineralogy and chemical compositions of ancient slags from Volubilis archaeological site and Awam ancient mine (Morocco)

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Six slags from Volubilis archaeological site roman period (II-III centuries AC) and Jabal Awam ancient mine have been examined for their mineral and chemical compositions by a multi-technique approach (Optical and metallographical microscopies, XRD, ICP-AES and XRF).Mineralogical analyses have emphasised the peperomia double duty occurrence of iron oxi-hydroxide, quartz, pyroxene and calcite).The bulk chemical compositions of slags are here similar and related to a refining of a homogeneous ore.The very low contents of metals plead for well mastered pyrometallurgical methods.

The metal composition of the treated ore is close to a polymetallic ore deposit probably similar to that of Awam mine (Lead and Silver).