Minerals in History

Abstract

The history of man is divided into ages named for the minerals he had mastered. In many respects it was the capability to use a metal that caused a burst of cultural advance. Gold was the first metal recognized, and because of its beauty it was used for ornamental purposes. Because of its scarcity, gold found few practical uses. On the other hand, copper was more plentiful so it moved from jewelry into weapons, then to vessels and household usage. Bronze was discovered accidentally, but it proved so superior to copper that an effort was made to solve the mystery of its origin. The evolutionary pattern from art form to military applications to civilian uses was again followed. Bronze armor provided better protection than copper, and the bronze sword could be longer since it was tougher and more durable; therefore bronze-equipped armies were invincible, until the enemy, too, developed bronze. Even uranium has followed the sequence of intensive development for military purposes, then adaptation to the civilian economy.