| The work presented here is a preliminary study of the micro-scale distribution of the trace elements within native copper samples from four North American sources. It deviates from most provenance studies of native copper artifacts in that it utilizes electron microprobe analysis rather than neutron activation analysis or other bulk analytical technique. Samples of chemically similar native copper have been recovered from different sources. The spatial distribution of the trace elements in such specimens may yield additional information about intersource variability and, in turn, might refine the fingerprints of native copper artifacts and deposits. Two hypotheses were subject to testing: (1) there are elements distributed roughly uniformly in native copper, and (2) there are elements distributed heterogeneously, often in the form of discrete inclusions. Both hypotheses were supported, and it is hoped this thesis will highlight a potential source of information for provenance studies of native copper. |
