Copper (Cu) is one of the original seven metals of antiquity and has been used for thousands of years. This metal is found in the ground or in placer deposits, later smelted from copper ores like chalcopyrite. Copper is widespread in history, health, folklore and sciences.
Copper is found naturally within the earth's crust in various minerals, such as chalcopyrite, the main copper ore, yielding up to 50% copper; as well as bornite, azurite and malachite. Evidence of copper mining dates to c. 7200 BCE in Anatolia.
Early copper ore extraction involves building fire against a rock face and throwing water on the hot surface. Copper ores are pried from the rock face with mauls and hammer stones. Ores are crushed and smelted. Copper has a relatively high melting point of 1085 °C compared to tin at 232 °C and sulfur at 115 °C, but low compared to iron at 1538 °C .
As the Bronze Age dawns in Eurasia c. 3300 BCE, copper is in demand. With tin, it's carried as pre-measured ingots, named oxhide due to their shape resembling a stretched hide, on trade networks.
Properties of Copper (Cu)
Conductivity: One of the best conductors of electricity and heat, making it ideal for electrical wiring.
Malleability: It can be easily shaped, allowing for intricate designs in jewelry and art.
Antimicrobial: Effective in killing bacteria and viruses upon contact.
Malleable and ductile, copper can be shaped into wires or thin sheets. It's a choice material for plumbing, roofing, and other aspects of construction. The formation of its greenish patina verdigris takes up to 30 years but can be hastened with acids.
In ancient Rome (after 8th century BCE), the island of Cyprus is noted as a profitable region for mining this warm-toned metal. The English word copper comes from the Roman place name. Copper is one of a few metallic elements with a natural color besides gray or silver.
Metallurgists use copper and zinc make brass, a process discovered by accident. With gold, copper adds a warm reddish tinge, creating a favorite treasure of kings - ruddy gold. From metallurgy comes the art of coloring metals, one of the origins of alchemy.
Copper is a favorite metal in alchemy, beginning with Mary the Jewess (Maria Prophetissa) c. 100 AD in Alexandria, Egypt. Mary uses copper in many alchemical alloys and describes the copper in terms of a certain colors progression: black, white, yellow, red.
In alchemy from the early years AD to the present, copper is prized in containers, flasks, vessels and retorts. Types of metal used can affect the outcome of the experiment or process. Alchemists also use iron or lead for flasks such as those in digestion.
In tradition from the ancient world, ruddy gold or other precious metals are often made into bracelets, chains, amulets or armbands of pre-determined value and worn by a ruler or noble. They're given as a reward, payment or token of friendship.
Copper is created in the stars, and also found in Earth's crust. It's responsible for the beautiful blues of turquoise and the greens of malachite. Copper is deposited from hot sulfur solutions of volcanic regions. Concentration of copper is up to 1000x more than found in rocks alone.
How Copper is Extracted from Ore
Extraction of copper from its ore typically involves two key processes: smelting and electrolysis.
Smelting: Sulfide ores are heated in a furnace to separate the copper from the other elements. This process generates liquid copper (matte) and takes advantage of copper's lower melting point.
Electrolysis: The crude copper produced is then purified via electrolysis, where an electric current is used to separate pure copper from impurities.
Initially, the ore is crushed and ground to isolate the copper minerals from surrounding materials. The ground ore undergoes flotation, where air bubbles are introduced to help the copper minerals rise to the surface, forming a frothy layer.
The froth is collected and concentrated before undergoing smelting, which separates metallic copper from other substances. The final step, electrolysis, further purifies the copper, yielding high-grade metal.
Copper Folklore & Spirituality
In natural health, copper is considered to conduct electric impulses or vibrations of positive energy to dispel feelings of apathy, lethargy, passive behavior, nervousness, hyperactivity, and low self-esteem. Copper calms the mind and helps focus prolific or lethargic energy.
In folklore, copper is associated with supernatural beings, treasures of the Earth, origins or beginnings. It brings gifts of prosperity, health and prestige. It's a lucky metal for Libra and Taurus zodiac signs. Copper jewelry opens channels of love and realigns sexual imbalance.
Ancient Egyptians use copper to sterilize wounds and purify drinking water. They choose the Ankh symbol to represent copper in hieroglyphs. Ankh is the symbol of eternal life.
Copper relates to progressive rather than aggressive energy. As a product of Earth and Fire it's a chthonian element linked to linked to creativity, nature magic and passion. Copper can tone down anxiety and impulsive reactions.
In ancient and modern lore, copper represents beauty, fertility, desire and sexuality. Early mirrors are made of polished copper or tin. Copper is sacred to the Roman goddess Venus, deity of love, beauty and desire, who is known to use a copper mirror.
Copper relates to the home, friends, family and domestic activity. Copper or brass bells are thought to frighten evil spirits. Copper corresponds to the dawn (Aurora) and morning star Venus.
The spiritual meaning of copper includes purification, mental cleansing, chakra balance, healing and dream enhancement. When entertaining, copper harmonizes the mood and makes guests feel welcome.
The blood of some crustaceans is copper-based, making it blue. Squid, octopus and some other cephalopods also have blue blood. Humans and most other animals have red iron-based blood.
Copper tarnishes on exposure to oxygen and develops a protective greenish patina or verdigris, used as blue-green pigment. Verdigris is the reason copper is considered a base metal; while in some definitions copper is noble, according to its chemical composition.
Found naturally in the body, the element copper is necessary for iron uptake. It helps create red blood cells, strengthens the immune system and nerve cells, helps form collagen and has antioxidant properties.
Copper carries the glow of golden orange and pink, the light of the sun and the earth connection. Copper vessels and pots are enchanting for flowers, home cooking and feelings of friendship and happiness.
Uses of Copper: From Ancient History to Modern Day
Copper has been used in various forms throughout history:
Ancient Tools: From spears to coins, copper laid the foundation for tools used in early societies.
Construction: Its durability and resistance to corrosion made it a go-to material for roofing and plumbing.
Technology: Today, copper is a critical component in electronics, renewable energy systems like solar panels, and electric vehicles.
Applications of copper evolve dramatically through history. At first copper is used mainly for crafting tools and weapons. It appears in early home decor.
As societies progress, copper becomes foundational in architecture and plumbing and in electrical systems. In today’s world, copper is crucial in renewable energy technologies, especially within solar panels and wind turbines.
Copper Facts
Color: Pure copper has a distinctive reddish-brown color, which turns green when oxidized (as seen in the Statue of Liberty).
Recycling: Copper is 100% recyclable without any loss of quality, making it highly sustainable. Recycling uses only 15% of the energy needed to obtain new copper.
Biological Role: Copper is involved in forming collagen and elastin, vital for skin health.
Copper ranks as the third most utilized metal globally, following iron and aluminum.
Chile is the largest copper producer, contributing nearly 30% of overall global production.
Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, copper effectively reduces harmful bacteria on countless surfaces.
In 18th century Germany, the metal nickel gets its name from copper mines. Nickel, or little Nick, is a mischievous mine Kobold. According to miners he corrupts good copper and refuses to give any back.
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