| nt face="Times New Roman" size="3">Copper is | | | | thousands of years ago but have been replaced by |
| becoming an increasingly popular choice in fields from | | | | newer and better construction materials, copper is |
| medicine to home décor, but how much do you | | | | used today as much or more than it was in the past. |
| really know about this metal? For those who | | | | In America, copper mining began in the Western part |
| don’t know very much, here is a brief history | | | | of the country during the late nineteen century and |
| of copper. | | | | continues to modern day. |
| Copper: An Overview | | | | Some current uses for copper include: |
| Copper is formed in volcanic areas with high | | | | - Computer chips |
| concentrations of sulfur, which when under a great | | | | - Solar energy power collectors |
| deal of pressure become hot sulfuric gases. With a | | | | - Space shuttle |
| melting point of almost two thousand degrees | | | | - Coins (nickels, dimes, quarters, pennies, and half |
| Fahrenheit, copper is a very stable element that does | | | | dollars all include copper) |
| not degrade or become corrupted easily. This is one | | | | The future of copper |
| of the aspects that have made copper so useful to | | | | Copper is unique because it has a strong history, is |
| humans, as it does not rust or break easily. Copper is | | | | used frequently in modern fields, and is likely to have |
| one of only two metals that is colored; the other is | | | | a very real place in the future of mankind as well. |
| gold. | | | | Some properties that make copper so appealing for |
| Copper and Humans | | | | the future include: |
| Copper is has a long history of making life easier for | | | | - Malleability — copper can be shaped in many |
| humans. Copper first appeared over ten thousand | | | | ways |
| years ago, found by archeologists among other ruins | | | | - High conductivity — makes copper very |
| of human civilization, and was mentioned in the Old | | | | useful for electronic and technologic applications |
| Testament. Additionally, copper was the first metal | | | | - Recyclability — copper can be recycled |
| mined by humans and crafted into useful tools. | | | | almost indefinitely without losing its advantageous |
| Throughout the history of all people, copper has | | | | properties |
| played a role in medicine, culture, and technology | | | | From science to construction, from the home to |
| serving as money, a means of sterilization, and even | | | | hospitals, copper is here today and will be here |
| armor. | | | | tomorrow. One of the most versatile and useful |
| Modern Uses | | | | metals, copper plays an essential role in civilization. |
| Unlike some other materials that were popular | | | | |