How to Set Up the Copper Extraction Demonstration

Materials needed for the copper extraction demonstration are as follows:
  • crushed malachite (finer crushing provides more surface area for acid leaching)
  • piece(s) of malachite to pass around in class
  • 250 ml of 1 M sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
  • 2 empty 250 ml beakers
  • materials needed for copper demonstration
  • steel nails
  • sandpaper
  • 1 pair tongs
  • 1 piece of filter paper
  • 1 ring stand
  • 1 glass funnel
  • goggles

  • (Optional) Copper product (e.g., copper wire)

Set up time for the copper extraction demonstration is minimal (<1 hour). Prepare the acid and crushed malachite in advance. Malachite samples can be purchased for minimal cost from Ward's Natural Science .

Back to Copper Extraction Demonstration page