Copper is famous for its distinctive reddish brown color. Copper is an ancient metal; ornaments and coins were fashioned from it throughout the history of mankind. Ancient copper was mined from copper itself, but currently almost all copper is extracted from copper sulfides.
Copper is notorious for its green tarnish, which is caused by weathering. If kept away from water and moisture, it will not tarnish.

USES
Although virtually all copper goes towards electrical and plumbing use, copper still has many ornamental uses. It has always been famous in coinage, and continues to remain a standard in coins. Currently, though, the American penny is made of zinc and only coated with copper. Copper, as well as brass and bronze, is also fashioned into utensils and ornaments, but is hardly used in jewelry. Care must be exerted with copper materials to prevent tarnishing. They must be stored away from humid areas, and if washed they should be dried immediately.

VARIETIES
Copper easily bends, and is usually alloyed with other metals to toughen it. Normally, it is alloyed with tin and/or zinc, but it may also be mixed with silver and nickel. When mixed with considerable amounts of tin, the alloy is known as bronze, and when mixed with considerable amounts of zinc the alloy is known as brass. Copper may also be alloyed with both tin and zinc. However, no demarcation is drawn between brass and bronze.
Other names given to alloyed copper are:
Monel Metal - alloy of copper and nickel
German Silver - alloy of copper and silver
Halfbreed - alloy of copper and silver. Halfbreed usually refers to a natural mixture of copper and silver.

SIMILAR GEMSTONES
Copper is unique in color; no metal has the same color. Brass and bronze, both copper alloys, are not as bright orange as copper.

ALSO SEE

• The mineral Copper
• Gold
• Silver

PICTURES

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