Copper

Real Metals · Common · Timeless

The first metal humans worked, because there was nothing to smelt: copper turns up in the ground as native nuggets you can hammer cold into shape. Left outside it goes green, the patina on every old church roof. Bacteria die on its surface within hours, which is why some hospitals are putting copper back on their door handles.

Identity

Symbol
Cu
Atomic number
29
Source
Natural element
Used in
Brass, Bronze, Cupronickel, Duralumin, Electrum, Hepatizon, Maillechort, Mokume-gane, Orichalcum, Pewter, Rose Gold, Shakudo, Sterling Silver, Tumbaga
Also known as
Cuprum, Cu
Ores, before industry and since
Azurite, Chalcocite, Chalcopyrite, Copper, Malachite, Tetrahedrite
Ores of the industrial age
Bornite, Chrysocolla, Covellite, Cuprite, Enargite
Ore deposits
Hydrothermal vein (lode), Porphyry copper deposit, Skarn, Volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit, Pegmatite deposit, Oxidized zone (gossan)
Used in alchemy
Pure Copper Powder

Physical Properties

Appearance
Distinctive reddish-orange, developing a green patina over time
Luster
Metallic
Density
8.96 g/cm³
Melting point
1085 °C
Boiling point
2562 °C
Lighter
Nickel
Denser
Mirrorplate
Magnetism
Non-magnetic
Electrical conductivity
Very High

Mechanical Properties

Mohs hardness
2.5
Tensile strength
210 MPa
Softer
Tin
Harder
Brass
Workability
Easy
Brittleness
Tough
Malleability
Very High
Ductility
Very High

Chemical Properties

Corrosion resistance
Moderate
Reactivity
Low

Lore & Narrative

The oldest known copper artifact is a pendant found in northern Iraq, made around 8700 BC. It predates writing and the wheel, and at the time nobody anywhere was smelting anything else.

Notable uses
Electrical wiring, plumbing, coinage, jewelry, alloy base
Forge uses
Coinage, Jewelry, Tools, Alloys
Worldbuilding traits
Conductive, Antimicrobial, Patinating, Ancient

Sources

Browse the Metal Encyclopedia — MGS Toolbox