Why were copper and gold most likely the first metals to be used during the Neolithic Age?

1 Answer
Nov 10, 2016

These metals have a relatively low melting point and the ores are found in the high concentrations.

Explanation:

Gold is often found as a solid metal not as an ore or oxide. These makes it easy to find. Gold nuggets can be found in river gravel.
Gold is easily shaped and formed into shapes.

Copper and Silver are also found in the same chemical family or group as Gold, group IX B. This family are the noble metals, and share similar chemical properties.

Copper though rarely found as a solid nugget is easily melted and shaped. Copper when combined with other metals like zinc becomes hard enough to make useful tools and weapons.

Other metals like iron require a much hight melting point. It was much more difficult to isolate iron. Also iron is found in much lower concentrations than Copper, Silver and Gold.