Copper

Properties

Material Characteristics

When combined in an ore with other minerals, copper has a green or blue appearance, but is red-orange when by itself.

History & Usage

History

Discovered several millennia ago, but there is dispute as to who found it first.

Discovery

Discovered several millennia ago, but there is dispute as to who found it first.

Everyday use

Copper is primarily used to make bronze, the dominant metal of the day. This bronze is used to make metals, tools, and ornaments of all kinds. On occasion, however, it may also be used to make assorted trinkets should there be no tin on hand.

²⁹Cu

63.546 u ± 0.003 units

Type

Metal

Color

red-orange in pure form

Boiling / Condensation Point

2835 Kelvin, 2562 degrees Celsius, ​or 4643 degrees Fahrenheit

Melting / Freezing Point

1357.77 Kelvin, ​1084.62 degrees Celsius, or ​1984.32 degrees Fahrenheit

Density

8.96 grams per cubic centimeter

Common State

Malachite, Azurite, Turquoise