Technical Data
Copper is a very popular metal that is used in a wide variety of fields and industries. There are many fun and interesting facts about the metal that have accumulated over time. This article highlights some of the amazing facts and legends that surround such an important metal.
Origin, Quality, and Composition Facts:
- It is estimated that each American will use approximately 1,320 pounds of copper during their lifetimes. They will use the metal for all different types of reasons.
- Copper is a land-based resources and it is estimated that there are 1.6 million tons of copper remaining on the planet. In the U.S, copper primarily comes from sources in the southwest and twenty mines are responsible for almost 99% of the production.
- Copper is considered a semi-precious metal and is appreciated for is nonferrous, malleable characteristics. It is also considered an element and is represented by the number 29 on the Periodic Table of Elements.
- Copper is incredibly easy to alloy with other metals. There are over 500 copper alloys available on the market and registered with the ASTMI. Beryllium copper is one of the strongest copper alloys. Beryllium copper is listed as alloy 25 and is used for applications that require non-sparking and non-magnetic characteristics. You can find beryllium copper wire in many different products around the globe.
Historical Facts:
- Copper is considered “man’s first metal” and can be found in architecture, pottery, weaponry, and many other ancient artifacts dating over 10,000 years. It is theorized that copper was first use by Neolithic communities as an alternative to stone tools during 8000 B.C.
- The romans gathered copper from Cyprus and called the metal Aes Cyprium, which appropriately translates to the “Metal of Cyprus.” As time progressed, Cyprium was changed to Coprum, and eventually adopted by the English and changed to copper.
Health facts:
- Copper is an essential part of the human diet. The element is needed for prenatal growth and development. In all adults, copper helps to grow, develop, and maintain healthy bone structure. It also forms red blood cells, and maintenance tissue throughout the body.
- Copper is a known anti-bacterial agent and can kill pathogens on contact. Many hospitals and heath facilities use copper as a result of this characteristic.
Beryllium Copper
There are so many different things to learn about copper. Whether you are interested in a specific alloy, like beryllium copper wire, or the historical relationship between humans and the metal, it is best to contact a local professional for more information.