Some ore contains unadulterated metals. The pure, native metal is in the form of little pieces or runs in veins through the stone. They are sometimes found on the earth surface and may be isolated by hammering. Mining industry is known from the end of the Paleolithic and is a well developed industry in Neolithic times. Digging for minerals is a side activity in the flint stone industry.
Copper is soft and can be rolled and flattened.
It is easier to shape than stone. Hammering can make copper harder than mild steel, but pushed to far it becomes brittle and it will eventually crack. If heated the original properties are restored and hammering may be continued. The object is shaped by hammering. It is the earliest siting of this metal.