Many of the things that we use in our everyday lives, even some of the additives to our food and medicines, are derived from geological ore deposits. All of our buildings are made from geological materials such as crushed stone, sand and gravel, clays, concrete, iron and steel. Electrical wiring is made of copper that is derived from copper ore deposits and most of our electricity is derived from coal.
Human ancestors used geological materials millions of years ago. Stone hand tools for cutting and scraping meat and digging-up plants have been found with numerous Australopithecine remains, dating back to at least two million years ago. As early humans evolved into more complex beings such as Neanderthals and finally, Homo sapiens, they began to use different geological materials to make more complex tools such as arrowheads, spearheads, and sculptures. Ochre deposits were exploited for body decoration and cave paintings more than 75 000 years ago. Metals were first used more than 5000 years ago, beginning with those that could be melted at lower temperatures such as gold, silver and copper. With the smelting of metals, sturdy weapons and agricultural tools could be made, enabling many civilisations to expand.
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2004