Copper sulfide clusters are formed as precursors to copper sulfide minerals. In oxic systems, copper is present as the Cu2+ ion. Copper sulfide minerals (predominantly) have copper in the +1 oxidation state. UV-Vis spectroscopy can be used to infer the preferred ratio of copper to sulfide during cluster formation as well as approximate the size of the clusters. The reduction of copper from the +2 ion to the +1 ion in laboratory solutions can be monitored using a ligand which binds preferentially to the Cu(I) oxidation state. The rate of reduction of the copper ion in the clusters (during and after formation) can be determined by observing the spectroscopic changes over time. Results and implications for natural systems will be discussed.

Ratios, reductions, and radii: Investigations into copper sulifde particle formation

245th National Meeting (2013)

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