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What the name
means: The name copper derives from
the Latin aes cyprium, “ore from
Cyprus”, which was later shortened to
cuprum.
Who identified
copper? Copper has been used since
prehistoric times. Around 5000BC our
ancestors mined copper and it was the first
metal to be worked (used for making tools
and utensils). Prehistoric man discovered
that tin could be added to copper to make
an alloy called bronze. Copper is one of
the seven classical metals. It could be
found as the native metal which is reddish
gold in colour.
About copper:
Copper is widely used. It is a good
conductor of heat and electricity. It can
be drawn out to make wire and is easily
moulded into utensils, such as pots. Copper
has been used to make coins since ancient
times. |