Scatterplot for Arsenic (EDIII v. Akk)
The arsenic in all the Ur copper-based artifacts in this study most likely derives from the original copper ore, its variation (from near-trace levels to around 3.9%) simply reflecting differences in the conditions of smelting of the original copper ore.
ED III range: 0.15%–3.9% (n=48)
Mean: 1.65% ± 0.14% (1 standard error)
Highest As-level: Shafthole axe (inv. 31-17-184)
Akkadian range: <0.031%–3.6% (n=36)
Mean: 1.32% ± 0.15% (1 standard error)
Highest As-level: Toggle pin (inv. 30-12-379)
31-17-184: Shafthole axe
As, 2.9%; Sn, <0.037%; Ni, 1.01%