Copper

Copper, as native copper, is one of the few metals to naturally occur as an uncompounded mineral. Copper was known to some of the oldest civilizations on record and has a history of use that is at least 10,000 years old. Archaeological sites reveal that copper jewellery (bracelets, pendants, pots, coins) were used in early civilizations in places like Iraq, China, Egypt, Greece while copper mining was done in the US and UK.

Copper is a ductile metal with excellent electrical conductivity. It finds extensive use as an electrical conductor, heat conductor, as a building material, and as a component of various alloys. Copper can be found in various forms around us even today as it finds many uses in plumbing fittings, tubes, pipes, doorknobs and other household fixtures, roofing, cookware like pots and pans, cutlery, water heating cylinders and more.

Copper is also an essential nutrient to all high plants and animals. In animals, including humans, it is found primarily in the bloodstream, as a co-factor in various enzymes, and in copper-based pigments. In sufficient amounts, copper can be poisonous and even fatal to organisms when consumed.

This metal has come into the limelight on account of high volatility in copper prices. According to New Scientist magazine dated May 26, 2007 the earth has an estimated 61 years supply of copper left.