Wikijunior:The Elements/Copper

Shows the position of Copper on the periodic chart.

What does it look, feel, taste or smell like?

Copper is a reddish metal.

How was it discovered?

As early as 10,000 years ago, people found small deposits of copper metal in the ground. This copper was then hammered and used to make weapons, tools and decorations. In Northern Iraq, a copper pendant was found that can be dated back to about 8700 B.C.

Where did its name come from?

Copper gets its name from the Latin word Cuprum, meaning from the island of Cyprus.

Did You Know?

Copper used to be the symbol for the Roman goddess Venus and that because Venus was thought to originate from Cyprus.
The Statue of Liberty contains 179,200 pounds (81.3 tonnes) of copper.
When a form of copper dissolves in water, the water turns blue.

Where is it found?

Copper can be found underground in the form of copper ore. The main copper ore producing countries are Chile, United States, Indonesia, Australia, Peru, Russia, Canada, China, Poland, Kazakhstan, Zambia, Zaire and Mexico. Copper is usually obtained from the ores cuprite ( $C u O_{2}$ ), tenorite ( $C u O$ ), malachite ( $C u O_{3} * C u (O H)_{2}$ ), chalcocite ( $C u_{2} S$ ), covellite ( $C u S$ ) and bornite ( $C u_{6} F e S_{4}$ ).

What are its uses?

In many countries pennies are made from copper

As copper is a great conductor of electricity it is used to make wires that carry electricity into homes, schools and businesses. In addition, copper is used to make locks, pipes, doorknobs, pots, bronze and jewelry. Most coins also contain copper, not just pennies.

Is it dangerous?

A little copper is necessary for many living things. However, copper in higher levels can be toxic. Earth's crust is made up of about .01% of copper.

References