More about Copper

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Copper is as essential today as it was in antiquity. In fact, it may be even more useful to modern society than it was to civilization in the Bronze Age, an entire era characterized by use of one of copper’s alloys. Copper is a major component in wiring, power generation, telecommunication, construction and electronics applications—just to name a few. It even ranks third in quantities consumed, behind only iron and aluminum. Considering its current uses, it is hard to believe that copper has served equally meaningful roles throughout history.

From a modern standpoint, copper’s most important properties are its high ductility, conductivity (electrical and thermal) and malleability. Manufacturers can shape it to meet virtually any requirement; it can be stretched into workable wire and coil for transmitting electricity or helping to generate electromagnetic fields, or it can be shaped into sturdy cookware and plumbing components.

Two extremely useful alloys require copper: brass and bronze. Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper, while bronze is the result of adding small amounts of tin to copper. Ancient civilizations discovered that bronze was easier to cast than unadulterated copper, and used it to cast most statuary. Today, both silicon and aluminum are added to bronze alloys, and silicon bronze has become the material of choice for statuary. Bronze is surprisingly durable, and outlasts steel in certain situations.

Although it is mankind’s “oldest” metal, copper is no less important in modern applications. It is the standard benchmark for electrical conductivity, and use of proper copper conductors and wire can quickly result in noticeable energy savings. Unlike its form in many of its other uses, it is pure copper, rather than an alloy, that is most effective for conducting electricity. Computer manufacturers have even begun to replace aluminum with copper due to its exceptional conductivity, which is second only to silver. Virtually every piece of technology in our homes owes at least a small debt to copper, whether it is the radio, television or microwave. Truly, it remains one of the most important materials available.