• mgr inż. Krzysztof Kupczak
Position: samodzielny technik
Unit: Biuro ds. Infrastruktury Badawczo-Dydaktycznej Wydziału Nauk Przyrodniczych
Adress: 41-200 Sosnowiec, ul. Będzińska 60
Floor: XII
Room: 1222
Phone: (32) 3689 598
E-mail: krzysztof.kupczak@us.edu.pl
Publications list: Publications by CINiBA
Publications list: Publications by OPUS
Scopus Author ID: 57218137402
Publications from the Scopus database
2024
Kupczak, K.; Warchulski, R.; Gawęda, A.; Janiec, Jan.
In: Heritage Science, vol. 12, no. 1, 2024, ISSN: 20507445.
@article{2-s2.0-85192347284,
title = {Bloomery iron production in the Holy Cross Mountains (Poland) area during the Roman period: conditions during the metallurgical process and their uniformity between locations},
author = { K. Kupczak and R. Warchulski and A. Gawęda and Jan. Janiec},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85192347284&doi=10.1186%2fs40494-024-01266-6&partnerID=40&md5=4388d257b10f00046f3f1595b5155f32},
doi = {10.1186/s40494-024-01266-6},
issn = {20507445},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
journal = {Heritage Science},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH},
abstract = {The study assessed the uniformity of the metallurgical process carried out during the period of Roman influence in Poland. The age of the investigated material was confirmed based on an analysis of the 12C/14C isotope ratio in the charcoal found in slag. The comparison was based on four Holy Cross Mountains (Poland) locations. The evaluation included smelting temperature, viscosity of the metallurgical melt, oxidation–reduction conditions, and slag cooling rate determined based on geochemical (XRF) and mineralogical (XRD; SEM; EPMA) analyses. Despite the distance between individual sampling sites, the conditions in which smelting was carried out were similar for all samples. The liquidus temperature of the analyzed slags was in the range of 1150–1200 °C. Oxidation–reduction conditions were determined through thermodynamic calculations using SLAG software. In the temperature range of 1150–1200 °C, the oxygen fugacity had to be below logP O2 = − 13.20 to − 12.53 atm to reduce iron oxides to metallic iron. The viscosity of the metallurgical melt was calculated and ranged from 0.15 to 1.02 Pa s, indicating a low viscosity. The slag cooling rate determined based on olivine morphology was in the range of > 5 to 300 °C/h. Smelting parameters were compared with other locations in Poland, and similar results were obtained for slags from Masovia and Tarchlice. In the case of one site (Opole), despite the higher maximum value of liquidus temperature, it was indicated that the process could have taken place in similar conditions, and the differences resulted from contamination of the slag with material from the furnace/pit walls. © The Author(s) 2024.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The study assessed the uniformity of the metallurgical process carried out during the period of Roman influence in Poland. The age of the investigated material was confirmed based on an analysis of the 12C/14C isotope ratio in the charcoal found in slag. The comparison was based on four Holy Cross Mountains (Poland) locations. The evaluation included smelting temperature, viscosity of the metallurgical melt, oxidation–reduction conditions, and slag cooling rate determined based on geochemical (XRF) and mineralogical (XRD; SEM; EPMA) analyses. Despite the distance between individual sampling sites, the conditions in which smelting was carried out were similar for all samples. The liquidus temperature of the analyzed slags was in the range of 1150–1200 °C. Oxidation–reduction conditions were determined through thermodynamic calculations using SLAG software. In the temperature range of 1150–1200 °C, the oxygen fugacity had to be below logP O2 = − 13.20 to − 12.53 atm to reduce iron oxides to metallic iron. The viscosity of the metallurgical melt was calculated and ranged from 0.15 to 1.02 Pa s, indicating a low viscosity. The slag cooling rate determined based on olivine morphology was in the range of > 5 to 300 °C/h. Smelting parameters were compared with other locations in Poland, and similar results were obtained for slags from Masovia and Tarchlice. In the case of one site (Opole), despite the higher maximum value of liquidus temperature, it was indicated that the process could have taken place in similar conditions, and the differences resulted from contamination of the slag with material from the furnace/pit walls. © The Author(s) 2024.
Kupczak, K.; Warchulski, R.; Gawęda, A.; Ślęzak, M.; Migas, P.
In: Heritage Science, vol. 12, no. 1, 2024, ISSN: 20507445.
@article{2-s2.0-85185124092,
title = {The use of predominance area diagrams (PAD) to determine the oxygen and sulfur fugacities prevailing during historical metallurgical processes: the case of fifteenth to seventeenth century copper slags from Polichno (Old Polish industrial district)},
author = { K. Kupczak and R. Warchulski and A. Gawęda and M. Ślęzak and P. Migas},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85185124092&doi=10.1186%2fs40494-024-01171-y&partnerID=40&md5=e3ccb8a809b2437b135efee3c2b40acd},
doi = {10.1186/s40494-024-01171-y},
issn = {20507445},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
journal = {Heritage Science},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH},
abstract = {The study presents the first use of predominance area diagrams (PADs) to determine oxidation–reduction conditions during reconstructing historical copper smelting processes. The smelting temperature and oxygen and sulfur fugacities during smelting were determined based on experiments and the geochemical (ICP-MS/ES; XRF) and mineralogical (SEM; EPMA) analyses of the fifteenth to seventeenth century slags from Polichno (Holy Cross Mountains; Poland). Results obtained during high-temperature experiments allowed to determine the slags' solidus and liquidus temperatures. The liquidus temperature was in the range of 1100–1200 °C, and the solidus temperature was in the range of 800–1100 °C. Data on temperature conditions were used in thermodynamic calculations to construct predominance area diagrams and then to determine the ranges of oxygen and sulfur fugacities in which the formation of slags was possible. Slags from Polichno were formed with the oxygen fugacity in the range of logPO2 = − 4.30 (POL1; POL4 at 1200 °C) to − 14.08 atm. (POL3 at 1090 °C). In turn, the sulfur fugacity during slag formation ranged from logPS2 = − 2.50 (POL5 at 1200 °C) to − 6.92 (POL4 at 1060 °C) atm. The relatively high sulfur availability confirms using sulfide ores without prior roasting. The wide range of sulfur and oxygen fugacity indicates the process's heterogeneity. © The Author(s) 2024.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The study presents the first use of predominance area diagrams (PADs) to determine oxidation–reduction conditions during reconstructing historical copper smelting processes. The smelting temperature and oxygen and sulfur fugacities during smelting were determined based on experiments and the geochemical (ICP-MS/ES; XRF) and mineralogical (SEM; EPMA) analyses of the fifteenth to seventeenth century slags from Polichno (Holy Cross Mountains; Poland). Results obtained during high-temperature experiments allowed to determine the slags' solidus and liquidus temperatures. The liquidus temperature was in the range of 1100–1200 °C, and the solidus temperature was in the range of 800–1100 °C. Data on temperature conditions were used in thermodynamic calculations to construct predominance area diagrams and then to determine the ranges of oxygen and sulfur fugacities in which the formation of slags was possible. Slags from Polichno were formed with the oxygen fugacity in the range of logPO2 = − 4.30 (POL1; POL4 at 1200 °C) to − 14.08 atm. (POL3 at 1090 °C). In turn, the sulfur fugacity during slag formation ranged from logPS2 = − 2.50 (POL5 at 1200 °C) to − 6.92 (POL4 at 1060 °C) atm. The relatively high sulfur availability confirms using sulfide ores without prior roasting. The wide range of sulfur and oxygen fugacity indicates the process's heterogeneity. © The Author(s) 2024.
Kupczak, K.; Warchulski, R.
SLAG—software for reconstruction of historical smelting processes based on slag properties Journal Article
In: Archaeometry, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 803-823, 2024, ISSN: 0003813X, (1).
@article{2-s2.0-85182440245,
title = {SLAG—software for reconstruction of historical smelting processes based on slag properties},
author = { K. Kupczak and R. Warchulski},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85182440245&doi=10.1111%2farcm.12940&partnerID=40&md5=ad922b3d333d71ed87b15767f686eb90},
doi = {10.1111/arcm.12940},
issn = {0003813X},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
journal = {Archaeometry},
volume = {66},
number = {4},
pages = {803-823},
publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Inc},
abstract = {The publication presents the functions of the SLAG software created to recreate historical metallurgical processes. SLAG allows for determining the smelting temperature, the viscosity of the metallurgical melt, and the oxygen and sulfur fugacities during smelting. With software, both liquidus temperature and melt viscosity can be calculated using different models, covering the range of chemical compositions of historical slags as wide as possible. Based on thermodynamic calculations, SLAG allows the performance of O2 and S2 fugacity calculations in the temperature range of 1000–2000 K (727–1727°C). The range of applicability of other properties (viscosity and liquidus temperature) depends only on the limitations of individual models. Using SLAG, it is also possible to create predominance area diagrams (PADs) and diagrams that consider the viscosity's dependence on temperature for slag of a given chemical composition. Based on glass transition temperature (Tg) and melt fragility, it is also possible to reconstruct the conditions that prevailed during the various stages of historical glass manufacturing processes. © 2024 The Authors. Archaeometry © 2024 University of Oxford.},
note = {1},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The publication presents the functions of the SLAG software created to recreate historical metallurgical processes. SLAG allows for determining the smelting temperature, the viscosity of the metallurgical melt, and the oxygen and sulfur fugacities during smelting. With software, both liquidus temperature and melt viscosity can be calculated using different models, covering the range of chemical compositions of historical slags as wide as possible. Based on thermodynamic calculations, SLAG allows the performance of O2 and S2 fugacity calculations in the temperature range of 1000–2000 K (727–1727°C). The range of applicability of other properties (viscosity and liquidus temperature) depends only on the limitations of individual models. Using SLAG, it is also possible to create predominance area diagrams (PADs) and diagrams that consider the viscosity's dependence on temperature for slag of a given chemical composition. Based on glass transition temperature (Tg) and melt fragility, it is also possible to reconstruct the conditions that prevailed during the various stages of historical glass manufacturing processes. © 2024 The Authors. Archaeometry © 2024 University of Oxford.
2023
Kupczak, K.; Warchulski, R.; Gawęda, A.
In: Archaeometry, vol. 65, no. 3, pp. 547-569, 2023, ISSN: 0003813X, (1).
@article{2-s2.0-85142055229,
title = {Reconstruction of smelting conditions during 16th- to 18th-century copper ore processing in the Kielce region (Old Polish Industrial District) based on slags from Miedziana Góra, Poland},
author = { K. Kupczak and R. Warchulski and A. Gawęda},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85142055229&doi=10.1111%2farcm.12837&partnerID=40&md5=4d28d5534a7f7c1dbcce97e0c7ea289d},
doi = {10.1111/arcm.12837},
issn = {0003813X},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
journal = {Archaeometry},
volume = {65},
number = {3},
pages = {547-569},
publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Inc},
abstract = {This study presents the first reconstruction of the smelting conditions in 16th- to 18th-century smelters from Miedziana Góra (Holy Cross Mountains; Poland). Based on geochemical (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry/emission spectrometry; X-ray fluorescence) and mineralogical analysis (X-ray diffractometry; scanning electron microscopy; electron probe micro-analysis) of historical slags, their chemical/phase composition and the basic smelting parameters (temperature; melt viscosity; and oxygen fugacity) were determined. Due to the differences in chemical and phase composition, slags from different smelting stages have been distinguished: hypocrystalline slags (MG6) from speiss/matte production and glassy (MG1–MG5) from matte conversion. In glassy slags, pyroxenes, quartz/cristobalite grains, and aggregates composed of metallic Cu and PbO are dispersed in the glass. Hypocrystalline slags are composed of wollastonites, anorthites, and metallic Cu. The temperature range at which the slags were formed was from ~1100°C (solidus temperature) to 1150–1200°C (liquidus temperature). The silicate melt's viscosity was from log η = 1.19 to 4.42 Pa s (at 1100–1200°C). The higher viscosity of MG1–MG5 slags indicates that, unlike MG6 slags, they were not formed during gravity separation. Information about the phase composition made it possible to determine the oxygen fugacity in the range of log fO2 = −4 to −12 atm. High oxygen fugacity indicates the oxidizing nature of the smelting process. © 2022 The Authors. Archaeometry published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of University of Oxford.},
note = {1},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This study presents the first reconstruction of the smelting conditions in 16th- to 18th-century smelters from Miedziana Góra (Holy Cross Mountains; Poland). Based on geochemical (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry/emission spectrometry; X-ray fluorescence) and mineralogical analysis (X-ray diffractometry; scanning electron microscopy; electron probe micro-analysis) of historical slags, their chemical/phase composition and the basic smelting parameters (temperature; melt viscosity; and oxygen fugacity) were determined. Due to the differences in chemical and phase composition, slags from different smelting stages have been distinguished: hypocrystalline slags (MG6) from speiss/matte production and glassy (MG1–MG5) from matte conversion. In glassy slags, pyroxenes, quartz/cristobalite grains, and aggregates composed of metallic Cu and PbO are dispersed in the glass. Hypocrystalline slags are composed of wollastonites, anorthites, and metallic Cu. The temperature range at which the slags were formed was from ~1100°C (solidus temperature) to 1150–1200°C (liquidus temperature). The silicate melt's viscosity was from log η = 1.19 to 4.42 Pa s (at 1100–1200°C). The higher viscosity of MG1–MG5 slags indicates that, unlike MG6 slags, they were not formed during gravity separation. Information about the phase composition made it possible to determine the oxygen fugacity in the range of log fO2 = −4 to −12 atm. High oxygen fugacity indicates the oxidizing nature of the smelting process. © 2022 The Authors. Archaeometry published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of University of Oxford.
2022
Warchulski, R.; Kupczak, K.; Gawęda, A.; Sitko, R.
Complete reconstruction of the process and conditions during gold smelting in the 15th–17th centuries in Złoty Stok based on metallurgical slags Journal Article
In: Archaeometry, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 916-934, 2022, ISSN: 0003813X, (2).
@article{2-s2.0-85123678976,
title = {Complete reconstruction of the process and conditions during gold smelting in the 15th–17th centuries in Złoty Stok based on metallurgical slags},
author = { R. Warchulski and K. Kupczak and A. Gawęda and R. Sitko},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85123678976&doi=10.1111%2farcm.12752&partnerID=40&md5=42bca27f554fb8d49e9fa8c42bfef052},
doi = {10.1111/arcm.12752},
issn = {0003813X},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
journal = {Archaeometry},
volume = {64},
number = {4},
pages = {916-934},
publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Inc},
abstract = {This study presents the first complete reconstruction of gold metallurgy in Złoty Stok, Poland. The key parameters of the process (i.e.; temperature of smelting and solidification; melt viscosity; oxygen fugacity) are calculated using the remnants of the process: metallurgical slags. The slags consist of silicate phases (i.e.; olivine; pyroxene), sulfides and arsenides (i.e.; pyrrhotite; Fe2As), as well as glass. These slags are chemically dominated by SiO2 (< 56.60 wt%), MgO (< 18.36 wt%), FeO (< 15.36 wt%), and CaO (< 15.19 wt%). The obtained results indicate that the temperature during the metallurgical process was at least 1300–1350°C, and crystallization of the slags took place until they cooled to < 1200°C. The morphology of olivine crystals in the slags indicates large differences in their cooling rate, from 5 to 300°C/h. Strongly reducing conditions during the metallurgical process (−10.5 to −11.5 log fO2) was confirmed. Low melt viscosity (logƞ = 0.26 – 0.90 Pa s) facilitated the separation of the sulfide melt rich in gold from the silicate melt being the slag precursor. The obtained results allowed existing descriptions of the smelting process in Złoty Stok to be corrected. © 2022 The Authors. Archaeometry © 2022 University of Oxford.},
note = {2},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This study presents the first complete reconstruction of gold metallurgy in Złoty Stok, Poland. The key parameters of the process (i.e.; temperature of smelting and solidification; melt viscosity; oxygen fugacity) are calculated using the remnants of the process: metallurgical slags. The slags consist of silicate phases (i.e.; olivine; pyroxene), sulfides and arsenides (i.e.; pyrrhotite; Fe2As), as well as glass. These slags are chemically dominated by SiO2 (< 56.60 wt%), MgO (< 18.36 wt%), FeO (< 15.36 wt%), and CaO (< 15.19 wt%). The obtained results indicate that the temperature during the metallurgical process was at least 1300–1350°C, and crystallization of the slags took place until they cooled to < 1200°C. The morphology of olivine crystals in the slags indicates large differences in their cooling rate, from 5 to 300°C/h. Strongly reducing conditions during the metallurgical process (−10.5 to −11.5 log fO2) was confirmed. Low melt viscosity (logƞ = 0.26 – 0.90 Pa s) facilitated the separation of the sulfide melt rich in gold from the silicate melt being the slag precursor. The obtained results allowed existing descriptions of the smelting process in Złoty Stok to be corrected. © 2022 The Authors. Archaeometry © 2022 University of Oxford.
2020
Warchulski, R.; Szczuka, M.; Kupczak, K.
Reconstruction of 16th—17th century lead smelting processes on the basis of slag properties: A case study from Sławków, Poland Journal Article
In: Minerals, vol. 10, no. 11, pp. 1-19, 2020, ISSN: 2075163X, (5).
@article{2-s2.0-85096435753,
title = {Reconstruction of 16th—17th century lead smelting processes on the basis of slag properties: A case study from Sławków, Poland},
author = { R. Warchulski and M. Szczuka and K. Kupczak},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85096435753&doi=10.3390%2fmin10111039&partnerID=40&md5=972b738db3377bf32e595be4ef532f4f},
doi = {10.3390/min10111039},
issn = {2075163X},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
journal = {Minerals},
volume = {10},
number = {11},
pages = {1-19},
publisher = {MDPI AG},
abstract = {The study focuses on the reconstruction of the technological process in the 16th–17th century lead smelter in Sławków based on chemical and petrographic analyzes of slags. There are three main types of material at the landfill: glassy, crystalline, and weathered. Glassy slags are made of amorphous phase in which crystals of pyroxene, willemite, olivine, wüstite, and lead oxide appear. Crystalline slags are composed of wollastonite, rankinite, melilite, anorthite, quartz, and Fe oxides. Weathered slags have a composition similar to glassy slags, but they also contain secondary phases: anglesite and cerussite. Chemical analyzes confirmed that the smelter used sulphide ores, which were roasted, and the main addition to the charge was quartz sand. The smelting process took place in a brick-built furnace, under reducing conditions, with varied oxygen fugacity ranging from WM to MH buffer. The slag characteristics show a knowledge of the workers in the field of smelting methods. The addition of SiO2 allowed for the binding of elements that could contaminate the obtained lead, and at the same time, the low melting point of the material (1150 ©C) and the melt viscosity (logη = 1.34 for 1150 ©C) was maintained, enabling the effective separation of liquid lead. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.},
note = {5},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The study focuses on the reconstruction of the technological process in the 16th–17th century lead smelter in Sławków based on chemical and petrographic analyzes of slags. There are three main types of material at the landfill: glassy, crystalline, and weathered. Glassy slags are made of amorphous phase in which crystals of pyroxene, willemite, olivine, wüstite, and lead oxide appear. Crystalline slags are composed of wollastonite, rankinite, melilite, anorthite, quartz, and Fe oxides. Weathered slags have a composition similar to glassy slags, but they also contain secondary phases: anglesite and cerussite. Chemical analyzes confirmed that the smelter used sulphide ores, which were roasted, and the main addition to the charge was quartz sand. The smelting process took place in a brick-built furnace, under reducing conditions, with varied oxygen fugacity ranging from WM to MH buffer. The slag characteristics show a knowledge of the workers in the field of smelting methods. The addition of SiO2 allowed for the binding of elements that could contaminate the obtained lead, and at the same time, the low melting point of the material (1150 ©C) and the melt viscosity (logη = 1.34 for 1150 ©C) was maintained, enabling the effective separation of liquid lead. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Kupczak, K.; Warchulski, R.; Dulski, M.; Środek, D.
In: Minerals, vol. 10, no. 11, pp. 1-19, 2020, ISSN: 2075163X, (3).
@article{2-s2.0-85095948455,
title = {Chemical and phase reactions on the contact between refractory materials and slags, a case from the 19th century zn-pb smelter in ruda Ślaska,˛ poland},
author = { K. Kupczak and R. Warchulski and M. Dulski and D. Środek},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85095948455&doi=10.3390%2fmin10111006&partnerID=40&md5=a43021871c7eb5dddbdab82c348ebcec},
doi = {10.3390/min10111006},
issn = {2075163X},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
journal = {Minerals},
volume = {10},
number = {11},
pages = {1-19},
publisher = {MDPI AG},
abstract = {Slags from the historic metallurgy of Zn-Pb ores are known for unique chemical and phase compositions. The oxides, silicates, aluminosilicates, and amorphous phases present therein often contain in the structure elements that are rare in natural conditions, such as Zn, Pb, As. The study focuses on processes occurring on the contact of the melted batch and the refractory materials that build the furnace, which lead to the formation of these phases. To describe them, chemical (X-ray fluorescence (XRF); inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)) and petrological ((X-ray diffraction (XRD); electron probe micro-analyses (EPMA); Raman spectroscopy) analyses were performed on refractory material; slag; and contact of both. Two main types of reactions have been distinguished: gas/fluid-refractories and liquid-refractories. The first of them enrich the refractories with elements that migrate with the gas (Pb; K; Na; As; Zn) and transport the components building it (Fe; Mg; Ca) inward. Reactions between melted batch and refractory materials through gravitational differentiation and the melting of refractories lead to the formation of an aluminosilicate liquid with a high content of heavy elements. Cooling of this melt causes crystallization of minerals characteristic for slag; but with a modified composition; such as Fe-rich pyroxenes; Pb-rich K-feldspar; or PbO-As2 O3-SiO2 glass. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI; Basel; Switzerland.},
note = {3},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Slags from the historic metallurgy of Zn-Pb ores are known for unique chemical and phase compositions. The oxides, silicates, aluminosilicates, and amorphous phases present therein often contain in the structure elements that are rare in natural conditions, such as Zn, Pb, As. The study focuses on processes occurring on the contact of the melted batch and the refractory materials that build the furnace, which lead to the formation of these phases. To describe them, chemical (X-ray fluorescence (XRF); inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)) and petrological ((X-ray diffraction (XRD); electron probe micro-analyses (EPMA); Raman spectroscopy) analyses were performed on refractory material; slag; and contact of both. Two main types of reactions have been distinguished: gas/fluid-refractories and liquid-refractories. The first of them enrich the refractories with elements that migrate with the gas (Pb; K; Na; As; Zn) and transport the components building it (Fe; Mg; Ca) inward. Reactions between melted batch and refractory materials through gravitational differentiation and the melting of refractories lead to the formation of an aluminosilicate liquid with a high content of heavy elements. Cooling of this melt causes crystallization of minerals characteristic for slag; but with a modified composition; such as Fe-rich pyroxenes; Pb-rich K-feldspar; or PbO-As2 O3-SiO2 glass. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI; Basel; Switzerland.
Warchulski, R.; Gawęda, A.; Kupczak, K.; Banasik, K.; Krzykawski, T.
Slags from Ruda Śląska, Poland as a large-scale laboratory for the crystallization of rare natural rocks: melilitolites and paralavas Journal Article
In: Lithos, vol. 372-373, 2020, ISSN: 00244937, (3).
@article{2-s2.0-85088039706,
title = {Slags from Ruda Śląska, Poland as a large-scale laboratory for the crystallization of rare natural rocks: melilitolites and paralavas},
author = { R. Warchulski and A. Gawęda and K. Kupczak and K. Banasik and T. Krzykawski},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85088039706&doi=10.1016%2fj.lithos.2020.105666&partnerID=40&md5=9d90e3fec170517c9d23826f6d133b03},
doi = {10.1016/j.lithos.2020.105666},
issn = {00244937},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
journal = {Lithos},
volume = {372-373},
publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},
abstract = {Zinc and lead smelting slags from Ruda Śląska are unique in their chemistry and phase composition, which resemble rare natural rocks such as paralavas and melilitolites. Moreover, considering its size, we can treat a pyrometallurgical slag dump as a geological body. In slags from Ruda Śląska the assemblage melilite ± pseudowollastonite ± wollastonite ± plagioclase was discovered in glassy slag. High-temperature experiments were performed to determine the temperature conditions and to reconstruct the crystallization of such an assemblage. Two slag samples were subjected to complete melting and crystallization with controlled thermal gradients of: 53.25 °C/h, 15.20 °C/h and 7.60 °C/h. The results showed that crystal nucleation started at temperatures of 1250-1300 °C depending on the fluctuations of chemical composition. In both samples the thermal gradient only partly influenced the phase differentiation, being rather responsible for the disappearance of the primary glass. Moreover, even slight differences in chemical composition resulted in changes in phase assemblages under the same temperature conditions (mll + gls vs pwol+pl + mll + gls). It was proven that it is due to the combination of undercooling conditions and solidus dependences in the åkermanite – gehlenite solid solution. The occurrence of such phenomena should be considered in natural rocks with similar composition. In the case of the Ruda Śląska slags it explains the dominance of glassy slag in that location. The experiments gave us an opportunity to observe and precisely analyze crystallization in real time, providing new insights into the creation of slags and their natural analogues. However, the study has also shown that possible variations of the original crystallization should always be assessed. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.},
note = {3},
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pubstate = {published},
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Zinc and lead smelting slags from Ruda Śląska are unique in their chemistry and phase composition, which resemble rare natural rocks such as paralavas and melilitolites. Moreover, considering its size, we can treat a pyrometallurgical slag dump as a geological body. In slags from Ruda Śląska the assemblage melilite ± pseudowollastonite ± wollastonite ± plagioclase was discovered in glassy slag. High-temperature experiments were performed to determine the temperature conditions and to reconstruct the crystallization of such an assemblage. Two slag samples were subjected to complete melting and crystallization with controlled thermal gradients of: 53.25 °C/h, 15.20 °C/h and 7.60 °C/h. The results showed that crystal nucleation started at temperatures of 1250-1300 °C depending on the fluctuations of chemical composition. In both samples the thermal gradient only partly influenced the phase differentiation, being rather responsible for the disappearance of the primary glass. Moreover, even slight differences in chemical composition resulted in changes in phase assemblages under the same temperature conditions (mll + gls vs pwol+pl + mll + gls). It was proven that it is due to the combination of undercooling conditions and solidus dependences in the åkermanite – gehlenite solid solution. The occurrence of such phenomena should be considered in natural rocks with similar composition. In the case of the Ruda Śląska slags it explains the dominance of glassy slag in that location. The experiments gave us an opportunity to observe and precisely analyze crystallization in real time, providing new insights into the creation of slags and their natural analogues. However, the study has also shown that possible variations of the original crystallization should always be assessed. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.