The Element Copper

What is Copper? Element Properties & Periodic Table Info

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Definition of the Copper Element
A ductile, malleable, reddish-brown metallic element. The principal ore of copper is chalcopyrite a sulfide of copper and iron, also called copper pyrite. Small amounts of copper are found uncombined, in the United States, Canada, Chile and Peru, Russia and to a limited extent in Europe and the UK. It is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity and is widely used for electrical wiring, water piping, and corrosion-resistant parts, either pure or in alloys with brass and bronze.

Copper is softer than Iron but harder than Zinc and can be polished to a bright finish. Refer to Copper Reaction for its reaction to Water, Oxygen & Acids. The Atomic Number of this element is 29 and the Element Symbol is Cu.

 

What is Copper? Origin / Meaning of the name Copper
The word 'copper' originates from the Latin word "Cuprum" (hence the symbol Cu), after the island of Cyprus. Cyprus was the major supplier of copper to the Roman Empire. Copper was associated with Venus, the goddess of love, in Roman mythology. The Romans believed that Venus rose from the waters of Cyprus looking at herself in a copper mirror. The association between copper and the goddess lead to the belief that copper would attract love and protect against evil. In alchemy, the symbol for copper was also the symbol for the planet Venus. 

What is Copper? Periodic Table Group and Classification of the Copper Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Copper is classified as a "Transition Metal" which are located in Groups 3 - 12 of the Periodic Table. Elements classified as Transition Metals are generally described as ductile, malleable, and able to conduct electricity and heat. Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as metals which are detailed in the List of Metals.

Facts about the History and the Discovery of the Copper Element
Copper was discovered in Ancient times and used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Chinese. Copper was probably the very first metal mined and crafted by man. It was believed to have been originally discovered in the Middle East. Copper is one of the metals referred to as one of the 'Metals of Antiquity'. The ancient 'Metals of Antiquity' together with their approximate dates of discovery and use are Gold (6000BC), Copper (9000BC), Silver (4000BC), Lead (6400BC), Tin (3000BC), Iron (1500BC) and Mercury (1500BC).

What is Copper? Properties of Copper
A heavy metal of high luster and is an especially good conductor of heat and electricity. Copper is a rather heavy metal of density 8.9, and has a characteristic reddish color. It is rather soft and is very malleable, ductile, and flexible, yet tough and strong; it melts at 1084°. As a conductor of heat and electrical energy it is second only to silver. For additional facts and information refer to Copper Properties.

What is Copper? Occurrence of Copper
The element copper has been used for various purposes since the earliest days of history. It is often found in the metallic state in nature, large masses of it occurring pure in the Lake Superior region and in other places to a smaller extent. The most valuable ores are the following:

Cuprite Cu2O.
Chalcocite Cu2S.
Chalcopyrite CuFeS2.
Bornite Cu3FeS3.
Malachite CuCO3·Cu(OH)2.
Azurite 2CuCO3·Cu(OH)2.

History of the Periodic Table
Check out the brief History of the Periodic Table which details dates and the names of famous scientists and chemists who contributed to the development of the Periodic Table.

Occurrence of the Copper Element
Copper occurs in nature to some extent in the free state, but is usually found as a sulphide. Copper ore is easy to reduce. Obtained from chalcopyrite, coveline, chalcosine

Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 6×10-6%
% in Sun 0.00007%
% in Meteorites 0.011%
% in Earth's Crust 0.0068%
% in Oceans 3×10-7%
% in Humans 0.0001%

Medical Uses of Copper - Health and Treatments
Interesting information is contained in the following table of Medical Uses of Copper, Health and Treatments. Copper is used in its salt forms as an astringent, deodorant and an antifungal.
 

Medical uses of Copper - Health and Treatments

Medical DisordersMedical SymptomsUses of Copper & Treatments
OsteoporosisBones to become fragileMultivitamins that include minerals usually have copper. Copper is also available as an separate oral supplement or as a topical gel or solution
Medical DisordersMedical SymptomsUses of Copper & Treatments

A useful reference providing information regarding the medical uses of Copper, associated health issues and disorders and treatments using Copper preparations. Copper sulfate is used as a parasiticide in aquariums and in the treatment of foot rot in cattle.

Associated Uses of Copper
The Statue of Liberty is made of copper about the thickness of two pennies put together. Its distinctive green color is due to its familiar "patina" green coating which has formed on the surface of the statue due to exposure to the elements. Other uses include:
Copper sulfate
Hammered copper
Tubing, pipes - Plumbing
Wire 
Sheets
Medicine and Health Care
Electromagnets
Watt's steam engine
Vacuum tubes
Musical instruments
Component of coins
Cookware
Cutlery

Cu

The Properties of the Copper Element
Symbol of Element : Cu
Atomic Number : 29
Atomic Mass: 63.546 amu
Melting Point: 1083.0 °C - 1356.15 °K
Boiling Point: 2567.0 °C - 2840.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons : 29
Number of Neutrons : 35
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Density @ 293 K: 8.96 g/cm3
Color : red / orange /
brown

What is Copper? The Properties of the Copper Element
Name of Element : Copper
Symbol of Element : Cu
Atomic Number of Copper : 29
Atomic Mass: 63.546 amu
Melting Point: 1083.0 °C - 1356.15 °K
Boiling Point: 2567.0 °C - 2840.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Copper : 29
Number of Neutrons in Copper : 35
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Density @ 293 K: 8.96 g/cm3
Color of Copper : red / orange /
brown

Copper as on the Periodic Table
Check out Copper on the Periodic Table which arranges each chemical element according to its atomic number, as based on the Periodic Law, so that chemical elements with similar properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to use - just click on the symbol for Copper as on the Periodic Table for additional information and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc with any other element. An invaluable source of facts and information as a Chemistry reference guide.

What is Copper - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic Table
The Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985 and now recognises more periods and elements than Dimitri  Mendeleev knew in his day in his day but still all fitting into his concept of  the "Periodic Table" in which Copper is just one element that can be found.

Learn about what is Copper with these fast facts...
These articles contain facts and information relating to Copper and each of the other elements including the Periodic Symbol,  group, classification, properties and atomic number which is often referred to as the Periodic Table Number. Test your knowledge of chemistry and the Periodic Table by completing the Element Symbols and Atomic Numbers on our Blank Periodic Table. Chemistry students will also find a helpful section on Chemical Formulas.

What is the Element Copper

The Elements are the building blocks of Modern Science & Chemistry


 

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