Copper is a chemical element, number 29 on the periodic table of elements. The copper element symbol is Cu, from the Latin “cuprum”. It is a ductile metal with a reddish-brown color. It is applied widely due to its high thermal and electrical conductivity.
What Is the History of Copper?
The history of copper dates back to 8,700 BC. A copper pendant that was discovered in Northern Iraq has been dated back to approximately that date and is currently thought to be the oldest object made of copper. Copper has been a crucial metal in many ancient civilizations, but it is generally agreed that the Mesopotamians (in Northern Iraq) discovered copper. In fact, a period in prehistory is the copper age between 5,500 BC and 4,000 BC, usually called the Chalcolithic Age from the Greek words for copper (chalkos) and rock (lithos).
Copper is one of few metals that can occur naturally in its native metallic form. This is different from most metals that need to be extracted via metallurgy from an ore. In places where native copper occurs, the technology of metallurgy was not necessary for those civilizations to begin to work with copper to form weapons and ornaments.
