Education on Copper

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Name: Copper
Symbol: Cu
Atomic Number: 29
Atomic Weight: 63.546 (3)
Standard State: solid at 298 K
CAS Registry ID: 7440-50-8
Group in Periodic Table: 11
Group Name: Coinage metal
Period in Periodic Table: 4
Block in Periodic Table: D-block
Color: Copper, metallic
Classification: Metallic
Melting Point: (1084.°C, 1984.32 F)
Boiling Point: (2562 °C,4643 F)

Copper History:
The oldest known metal, copper is believed to be the
first metal used by man, approximately 10,000 years ago and has been the
most important one in the oldest times of history, because it was available
in great quantities and was initially extractable almost at the surface
of ground. Copper pendants have been found dating back to 8700 BC, and
both Incan and Aztec warriors wore copper into battle, as they believed
it increased their agility and skill. Egyptian craftsmen used copper to
fashion mirrors for the dead, and the metal has also been used to make
crowns, coins, tools, and household items such as candlesticks. Copper
mixed with zinc makes brass. Copper is the only metal other than gold
that has natural color. Other metals are either gray or white. Copper
does not corrode, rust, or damage easily. One of the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, found in a cave in Israel, is made of copper. This unique scroll does
not contain religious writings, but rather the clues to an undiscovered
treasure of gold and silver.

What is Copper?
Copper is a reddish metal that occurs
naturally in rock, soil, water, sediment, and air. Its unique chemical
and physical properties have made it one of the most commercially important
metals. Since copper is easily shaped or molded, it is commonly used to
make pennies, electrical wiring, and water pipes. Copper also occurs naturally
in plants and animals. It is an essential element for all known living
organisms, including humans. Copper is a metal that does not react with
water (H2O), but the oxygen of the air will react slowly at room temperature
to form a layer of brown-black copper oxide on copper metal.

Copper Alloys:
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Monel metal,
also called cupronickel, is an alloy of copper and nickel. Copper is one
of the most important constituents of carat silver and gold alloys and
carat solders used in the jewelry industry, modifying the color, hardness
and melting point of the resulting alloys. opper is a metal that does
not react with water (H2O), but the oxygen of the air will react slowly
at room temperature to form a layer of brown-black copper oxide on copper metal. Brass, a mix of copper that contains between 5% and 45% zinc.

Copper Care Repair:
Copper is valued for strength, flexibleness and the ability
to conduct electricity and heat. It is also non-magnetic, resists wear,
and forms a green gloss which makes it resistant to corrosion. Copper
is used to coat bottoms of steel pans to improve heat conduction, for
decorative items, and in a few other cookware applications. It is also
used for electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, and many uses in appliances.
Decorative items should be kept clean and dusted. Copper is sensitive
to air, and oxidizes (tarnishes) faster in moist air. Coating with lacquer,
if not being used for food purposes, helps preserve the finish.
Most pieces of decorative, modern copper are protected by a factory-applied, baked-on lacquer. Only dusting and an occasional washing with lukewarm, soapy water are needed to keep lacquered objects shiny. Never polish them. Lacquer must be removed from eating and cooking utensils before using. To remove lacquer, place the item in 2 gallons of boiling water to which 1 cup of washing soda has been added. The lacquer will peel off. An alternate method to remove lacquer is to rub with a cloth saturated with acetone or alcohol.

Copper Healing Power:
Copper in our diet is necessary for good health. You
eat and drink about 1,000 micrograms (1,000 ug) of copper per day. Copper is said to aid in the fight against inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and rheumatism, particularly when used in conjunction with other stones. It is said to help stabilize the metabolism and heighten the actions of the cleansing organs and the immune system, beneficial for the lungs,
improving the exchange of oxygen and filtering out pollutants. As soft
tissue and mucous membranes retain more moisture they are claimed to become less susceptible to irritation through exposure to copper. Also it is
said to be an excellent aid for increasing your ability to express and
accept true feelings, balances personal reserve and confidence. Copper
is essential in all plants and animals. The human body normally contains
copper at a level of about 1.4 to 2.1 mg for each kg of body weight.