Copper

Copper
Properties
Atomic symbol	Cu
Atomic number	29
Classification	Transition metal
Atomic mass	63.5 amu
Other Information
Date of discovery	Copper has been known since ancient times
Name of discoverer	Unknown
Name origin	From the Latin cyprium, referring to the island of Cyprus, where it was obtained in ancient times.
Uses	Copper is used in wires because it conducts electricity very well. It is also useful in jewelry and coins
Obtained from	chalcopyrite, coveline, and chalcosine

Copper, the 29th element, is a metal. In industry it is praised for its extreme ductility and electrical conductivity which make it an excellent material for wires. Copper is also a nutrient mineral, and is required by the human body to perform certain chemical reactions.

Copper is also important culturally, as one of the first metals to be used by humankind, especially in its alloy form bronze. Even today the pennies in the United States are informally referred to as "coppers."

The atomic symbol for copper, Cu, comes from the Latin cuprum which also gives its name (via Greek) to Cyprus, an island nation in the Mediterranean renowned for its wealth of copper.

Copper is usually mixed with tin to form bronze, and was a key metal during the Bronze Age.

See Also

• Copper jacketed lead