Formation of a Native Copper Mineral Deposit, Small Group Version

Of all the naturally-occurring metals, copper is among the most useful, recognizable, and versatile. Evidence suggests humans have used copper for at least 10,000 years!

You see its distinctive color in architecture. It's found in electrical wiring, water pipes, and plumbing fixtures. Automobiles, electronics, and electronic devices all use copper.

Copper is in electrical motors, generators, and turbines. You'll find it in refrigeration and air conditioning units, on circuit boards, and in electromagnets. And with this kit, students will find it in their science lab!

Copper that's extracted from mineral ores is treated and refined to obtain the pure metal. But copper also exists in nature in its native elemental form. This is the rarest and most valuable form of copper, since it's the easiest to process to get pure metal.

In this activity, students first create specific environmental conditions. Next, they examine the formation of native copper deposits over several days.

From Innovating science, the Formation of a Native Copper Mineral Deposit Kit has enough materials for 5 groups. Teacher’s Guide and Student Study and Analysis copymasters are included.

You provide distilled water.

More Information

• Safety Information (SDS)

Formation of a Native Copper Mineral Deposit Kit

• 75 g Copper sulfate
• 75 g Sodium chloride
• 10 Iron nails
• 5 Plastic vials
• 20 Filter paper discs,10 mm
• 5 Hand magnifiers
• Teacher's manual and reproducible student study guide