Chemical details

Copper is a soft and ductile metal with high corrosion resistance. It begins to oxidise when it becomes wet. It is resistant to hydrochloric acid.

Uses

Copper is a major component of many alloys such as copper nickel alloy. These alloys are the basis for coin production. Copper is also used widely in the building industry and in the electrical and electronic industry. Due to its high electrical conductivity, copper is also an ideal conductor for electricity, heat and information.

History

The first use of copper dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. The copper zinc alloy "brass" was already known in ancient Greece. The gold and copper alloy tumbaga was widely used in ancient Colombia.  These copper alloys were still used up into the 18th century until they were ousted by cast steel.

Occurrence

Copper is found in its natural metallic forms and in minerals. The copper minerals often occur in combination with other metals such as silver, gold and iron. A further occurrence is in copper ores, where it is extracted from copper pyrites and copper glance. Important copper mining areas are to be found in Canada, Chile, Africa, South America and Peru.