Kupferschiefer,

Kupferschiefer, one of the series of strata which make up the 'Dyas' type of the Permian System (q.v.) as it is developed in Germany. The bed consists of black bituminous shale, about 2 feet thick, abundantly charged with well-preserved remains of various fish, coniferous leaves, fruits, &c. The organic remains are abundantly coated and even replaced by copper ore (hence the name of the bed), which has been extensively worked along the flanks of the Harz.