Copper (cathode)

specimen number:
2102289

location:
Bisbee, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA

description:
An example of what is basically man-made crystallized copper. This is often called cathode copper.

The process of making cathode copper begins with the extraction of copper ore, which is crushed and ground before undergoing froth flotation to create a concentrate. This concentrate is then smelted and refined into anode copper, which typically reaches a purity level of around 99 percent. To achieve the 99.99 percent purity required for electrical applications, the anodes undergo electrorefining. In this electrochemical stage, the copper anodes and thin starter sheets (or permanent stainless steel blanks) known as cathodes are suspended in a tank filled with an electrolyte solution of copper sulfate and sulfuric acid. When an electric current is applied, copper ions dissolve from the anode and migrate through the solution to deposit onto the cathode. Impurities either remain in the solution or fall to the bottom of the tank as anode slime. After several days, the enriched copper cathodes are removed, washed, and are then ready for use in manufacturing or further processing into wire, tubing, and electronic components.

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