Copper
Real Metals · Common · Timeless
Humanity's first worked metal, copper has been smelted for over ten thousand years. Its exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity make it irreplaceable in modern technology, while its antimicrobial properties have made it valuable in medicine and sanitation.
Identity
- Symbol
- Cu
- Atomic number
- 29
- Source
- Natural element
- Used in
- Brass, Bronze, Cupronickel, Duralumin, Maillechort, Rose Gold, Sterling Silver
- Aliases
- Cuprum, Cu
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 dating to around 8700 BC. For thousands of years before iron, copper and its alloys defined what was technologically possible for human civilization.
- Notable uses
- Electrical wiring, plumbing, coinage, jewelry, alloy base
- Forge uses
- coinage, jewelry, tools, alloys
- Worldbuilding traits
- conductive, antimicrobial, patinating, Ancient
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