Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu, atomic number 29, atomic mass 63.55 and belonging to group 11 of the periodic table.
Copper can undergo different types of chemical reactions and its best known product is copper sulfate.
When exposed to water or air, it oxidizes to a green color. However, it is a very corrosion resistant metal.
In nature, copper is found in three forms:
- Chalcopyrite (Copper and Iron Sulfide): Most frequent form, has an intense metallic shine.
- Chalcocite (Copper Sulfide): Composed of copper sulfide, has a color that varies from gray to black.
- Malachite (Copper Carbonate): It differs by presenting a greenish color.
Properties and Characteristics
Copper has been known to mankind since the neolithic period, when it was used for the production of work tools, weapons and utensils.
It is likely to be the first metal to be manipulated by man. It can be used in its pure form or combined with other metals, for example, the alloy between copper and tin originated the Bronze Age.
The main characteristics of copper are:
- Reddish-orange colored metal;
- Solid at room temperature;
- Density of 8.94 g/cm3 ;
- Melting point: 1084.62°C;
- Boiling point: 2562 °C;
- Easily malleable;
- Possibility of being reused;
- Ductile;
- Great conductor of heat and electricity;
- Stable isotopes in nature: Cu-63 and Cu-65.
Want to know more? Read too:
- Periodic table
- Age of Metals
- Chemical elements
applications
One of the main applications of copper is for the production of metal alloys, materials formed by mixing two or more components, at least one of which is metal.
There are more than 1,000 types of metallic alloys produced with copper. Some examples are:
- Brass: Copper + Zinc
- Bronze: Copper + Tin
- cupronickel: Copper + Nickel
- 18 carat gold: Gold + Silver + Copper
- Amalgam: Silver + Tin + Copper + Mercury
Currently, a large part of the metal is used in the production of electrical wires, telephones, lighting and telecommunication cables. Copper is also used in the manufacture of cookware as it is an excellent heat-conducting material.
health benefits
Copper is one of the minerals that is also important for the proper functioning of the human body.
It is found in low concentration in the blood, but has functions related to enzyme activity and blood cell formation.
The foods in which copper can be found are: seafood, eggs, beef and pork, almonds, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, beans and walnuts.
Also read about:
- mineral salts
- Nutrients
- Foods of mineral origin
