COPPER

Copper occurs naturally occurs naturally in the minerals malachite, cuprite, azurite, bornite and
chalcopyrite.
The chemical element symbol for copper is Cu, with the atomic number 29.

The benefits of using copper

Copper has many beneficial properties, making it ideal for a wide variety of applications.
The main properties of copper are:
 High electrical conductivity
 High ductility
 Good heat conductivity
 Corrosion resistance
 Good machinability
 Antimicrobial properties/biofouling resistance
 Non-magnetic

Uses of copper
Amongst other things copper is used for:
 Electrical wiring. It is a very good conductor of electricity and is easily drawn out into wires.
 Domestic plumbing. It does not react with water, and is easily bent into shape.
 Boilers and heat exchangers. It is a good conductor of heat and does not react with water.
 Making brass. Brass is a copper-zinc alloy. Alloying produces a metal harder than either copper
or zinc individually. Bronze is another copper alloy, but with tin.
 Coinage. In many countries, "silver" coins are also copper alloys - this time with nickel; these are
known as cupronickel alloys.