Copper Nugget in Lufkin,Texas.

[TexasJeff]

I found this copper nugget at a park in Lufkin, Texas. Dug at 6 inches in a low traffic area and next to creek bank.

Did some online reading and found out Copper has never been mined in significant quantities.

Thought it was unusual.

Do you think it is a natural Nugget?

Melt slag or corrosion?

 

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[ANTIQUARIAN]

Your 'nugget' looks more likely to be a by-product of the 'smelting process'... in other words 'slag'.
Dave

"Texas has never been a major copper-mining state. Small amounts of copper were mined from Permian redbeds in Archer and Foard counties of north-central Texas in the 1860s and 1870s. Copper was produced in connection with silver mining in Culberson County in west Texas from 1885 to 1952. Copper slag is a by-product of copper extraction by smelting. During smelting, impurities become slag which floats on the molten metal. Slag that is quenched in water produces angular granules which are disposed of as waste.

Grit Blasting
Copper slag is mainly used for surface blast-cleaning. Abrasive blasting is used to clean and shape the surface of metal, stone, concrete and other materials. In this process, a stream of abrasive grains called grit are propelled toward the work-piece. Copper slag is just one of many different materials that may be used as abrasive grit. Rate of grit consumption, amount of dust generated, and surface finish quality are some of the variables affected by the choice of grit material. The blasting media manufactured from copper slag brings less harm to people and environment than sand. The product meets the most rigid health and ecological standards.

Construction
Copper slag can be used in concrete production as a partial replacement for sand. Copper slag is used as a building material, formed into blocks. Such use was common in areas where smelting was done, including St Helens and Cornwall, England. In Sweden, fumed and settled granulated copper slag from the Boliden copper smelter is used as road-construction material. The granulated slag has both insulating and drainage properties which are usable to avoid ground frost in winter which in turn prevents pavement cracks. The usage of this slag reduces the usage of primary materials as well as reduces the construction depth which in turn reduces energy demand in building. Due to the same reasons the granulated slag is usable as a filler and insulating material in house foundations in a cold climate."

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

I don't believe a copper ore nugget would have a straight seam, either.

 

[TexasJeff]

It seems to be somewhat semitrical and has that seem. I don’t have enough experience with copper in it’s natural state. I threw in the slag idea. It is certainly an unusual find for me.
I appreciate the opinions.

 

[TexasJeff]

After some cleaning.