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

Abstract

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 occurrence of iron oxi-hydroxide, quartz, pyroxene and calcite). The bulk chemical compositions of slags are 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).

Keywords

• Slags
• Volubilis
• roman site
• Awam mine
• archaeometallurgy