Nickel
Scattergram for Nickel (ED III v. Akk)
Note that, for reasons of clarity among the rest of the data, the dagger (inv. B17508), with its exceptional Ni-content of 10.7%, is excluded from this graphic.
The MMP analytical program has identified 49 instances of significant nickel content (Ni, greater than 0.5%), and 11 instances of an Ni-content greater than 2.0% (listed below) among the 84 copper-base Ur artifacts that were studied:
ED III range: <0.010%–4.8% (n=48)
Mean: 1.23% ± 0.25% (1 standard error)
Higher Ni-levels were recorded for:
Ni, 2.1%: Flat toggle pin (inv. 31-17-266)
Ni, 2.1%: Shafthole adze (inv. 31-17-203)
Ni, 2.2%: Shafthole adze (inv. 30-12-271)
Ni, 2.2%: Shafthole adze (inv. 30-12-310)
Ni, 2.8%: Spatula (inv. 31-17-220)
Ni, 3.0%: Shafthole adze (inv. 31-17-201)
Ni, 3.4%: Toggle pin (inv. Not given)
Ni, 4.8%: Spearhead (inv. 31-17-222)
Ni, 10.7%: Dagger with 3 rivets (inv. B17508)
Akkadian range: <0.030%–3.6% (n=36)
Mean: 0.77% ± 0.13% (1 standard error)
Higher Ni-levels were recorded for:
Ni, 2.3%: Dagger/knife (inv. 35-01-422)
Ni, 3.6%: Toggle pin (inv. 30-12-3791)
The southern Mesopotamian metalworking craft is thought to have obtained nickel-rich copper ingots from Oman (Berthoud et al., 1980; but see also Weisgerber 1983; and more recently, Prange et al. 1999). The high Ni-content of the Dagger (inv. B17508) is not unique.
B17508: Dagger with 3 rivets
As, 0.40%; Sn, <0.012%; Ni, 10.7%