Green Minerals in Spanish Cave Suggest Prehistoric Copper Processing
A study in Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology reveals that Cave 338 in the Spanish Pyrenees contains green minerals likely malachite, used for copper production. Archaeologists found hearths, jewelry, children's bones, and thermally altered malachite fragments in layers dating 5,500–3,000 years ago. Lead author Carlos Tornero of IPHES-CERCA says the site challenges assumptions that high-altitude areas were marginal, showing recurrent occupation and mineral exploitation. The malachite was not native to the cave, indicating prehistoric people transported it there for processing. Co-author Julia Montes-Landa of the University of Granada notes fire was deliberately used. The cave was likely a seasonal camp and possibly a burial site. Researchers are working to confirm the mineral's identity.
Key facts
- Cave 338 is located high in the Pyrenees mountains, accessible only on foot.
- The green mineral is thought to be malachite, a source of copper.
- Hearths contained burned malachite fragments, suggesting deliberate processing.
- The site includes four layers; the middle two date from 5,500 to 3,000 years ago.
- Children's bones suggest the cave may have been a burial or ritual site.
- The study was published in Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology.
- Lead author Carlos Tornero is a researcher at IPHES-CERCA.
- Co-author Julia Montes-Landa is an archaeologist at the University of Granada.
Entities
Institutions
- Catalan Institute of Human Palaeoecology and Social Evolution (IPHES-CERCA)
- University of Granada
- Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology
Locations
- Cave 338
- Pyrenees mountains
- Spain
- Alps
- central Italy
- Mesopotamia
- Europe