Abstract
Our understanding of zinc distillation technology in ancient China has traditionally been limited by a lack of studies of production remains. The discovery of nearly 20 zinc smelting sites dated to the Ming Dynasty (AD 1368–1644) along the Yangtze River in Fengdu, Chongqing, southwest China since 2002 is allowing a detailed technological reconstruction of zinc production. This paper presents the analytical study by OM, SEM-EDS and EPMA-WDS of the production remains from three of these sites, including zinc ore, zinc metal, retorts and slag. The analytical results reveal the use of large-scale installations for zinc distillation with retorts made of pots, condensers, pockets and lids, all well designed to meet specific performance characteristics. The retorts were charged with iron-rich oxidic zinc ores, coal and charcoal; a high temperature of around 1200°C and highly reducing atmosphere were achieved to reduce the zinc ores; the zinc vapour formed within the pots was cooled and collected in the condensers. The mass production of zinc in Fengdu was probably set up to supply governmental mints.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
