Aztec Metallurgical

Aztec Metallurgical

File:Aztec Metallurgical.jpg
Alternative names	Carrizo Copper Mine
Location	Mining Gulch
No. of Buildings	1

The Carrizo Copper Mine of Mexico, one could see the process of taking copper from the ore, washing, roasting, smelting and refining the copper, as was done traditionally.

Description

The processes are apparently the same that have prevailed since copper-mining was known, for the copper is hammered from the stone with other stones, then washed in a trough. The roasting furnaces is not unlike that of a baker, where the ore comes out a rich chocolate color. It is then put into a smelting furnace, also a crude affair. A tawny Aztec sat behind and at the head of the furnace, and with hand and foot pushed and pulled, alternately, the bellows that kept the furnace in a glow. The whole thing was not more than five feet high, and the ore, with charcoal, was put in the top, and the copper settled in a puddle at the base of the furnace. There was no need to "make a run," for the run was made by natural process. The smelted ore was given to visitors in bits, as souvenirs. Copper vessels and souvenir pans were made on the ground. Several native Mexicans assisted in the work, and while not otherwise engages made beautiful little ornaments of clay which they sold to visitors.