| Copper is becoming an increasingly popular choice in | | | | thousands of years ago but have been replaced by |
| fields from medicine to home decor, but how much do | | | | newer and better construction materials, copper is |
| you really know about this metal? For those who don't | | | | used today as much or more than it was in the past. In |
| know very much, here is a brief history. | | | | America, copper mining began in the Western part of |
| An Overview | | | | the country during the late nineteen century and |
| Copper is formed in volcanic areas with high | | | | continues to modern day. |
| concentrations of sulfur, which when under a great | | | | Some current uses for copper include: |
| deal of pressure become hot sulfuric gases. With a | | | | - Computer chips |
| melting point of almost two thousand degrees | | | | - Solar energy power collectors |
| Fahrenheit, copper is a very stable element that does | | | | - Space shuttle |
| not degrade or become corrupted easily. This is one | | | | - Coins (nickels, dimes, quarters, pennies, and half |
| of the aspects that have made copper so useful to | | | | dollars all include copper) |
| humans, as it does not rust or break easily. Copper is | | | | The future of copper |
| one of only two metals that is colored; the other is | | | | Copper is unique because it has a strong history, is |
| gold. | | | | used frequently in modern fields, and is likely to have a |
| Copper and Humans | | | | very real place in the future of mankind as well. Some |
| Copper is has a long history of making life easier for | | | | properties that make copper so appealing for the |
| humans. Copper first appeared over ten thousand | | | | future include: |
| years ago, found by archeologists among other ruins | | | | - Malleability - copper can be shaped in many ways |
| of human civilization, and was mentioned in the Old | | | | - High conductivity - makes copper very useful for |
| Testament. Additionally, copper was the first metal | | | | electronic and technology applications |
| mined by humans and crafted into useful tools. | | | | - Recyclability - copper can be recycled almost |
| Throughout the history of all people, copper has played | | | | indefinitely without losing its advantageous properties |
| a role in medicine, culture, and technology serving as | | | | From science to construction, from the home to |
| money, a means of sterilization, and even armor. | | | | hospitals, copper is here today and will be here |
| Modern Uses | | | | tomorrow. One of the most versatile and useful |
| Unlike some other materials that were popular | | | | metals, copper plays an essential role in civilization. |