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Kamali A A, Razani M, Beheshti S I, Fadaei H, Ebrahimzadeh V. Investigation of the Ancient Chah Jamal Khoshomang Metal Smelting Site in Yazd Province Based on Geochemical and Mineralogical Studies. , KCR. 2026; 9 (1) :49-59
URL: http://journal.richt.ir/kcr/article-1-368-en.html

The Chah Jamal Khoshomang metal smelting sites are located in Yazd Province, in the Kharanaq district east of Ardakan County, approximately 25 km south of Saghand village and 120 km from the city of Yazd. This study aims to identify the smelting technology and the provenance of the ores used at these sites through field investigations, petrographic analysis, and chemical analysis by inductively (ICP-OES) of slag samples collected from two smelting sites. Petrographic results reveal the presence of the silicate minerals pyroxene and fayalite within a glassy matrix, together with metallic phases comprising native copper, copper sulfide minerals (chalcocite and covellite), and the iron-bearing mineral wüstite. The high proportions of silica and iron oxides in the chemical analysis results, together with the presence of CaO and MgO, indicate the use of siliceous and carbonate fluxes to reduce slag viscosity; combined with the observed mineralogical assemblage, this evidence suggests a smelting temperature of approximately 11001200 °C and a reducing, relatively controlled furnace atmosphere. These smelting sites, which were established for copper extraction, also contain lead, zinc, and silver, indicating that the raw ore feeding these furnaces was derived from a polymetallic deposit. Regarding the provenance of this raw material, ancient exploratory tunnels and pits located approximately two kilometers from the sites can be identified as the local source of feedstock for these furnaces. The findings of this study advance our understanding of ancient metal extraction technology in the central Iranian plateau.