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COPPER
(CU)

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Copper is found in such minerals as: Azurite, Malachite, Bonita, Sapphires (Chalcopyrite, Cove line, Calcimine), and Oxides (Cuprites).

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

NAME ORIGIN

Cyprium – is named after the island of Cyprus famed for its copper mines.

GROUP NAME

Cainage Metal

Copper is in the same family on the periodic table as silver and gold. They have very high thermal and electrical conductivity and are all malleable metals. Among pure metals at room temperature, copper has the second highest electrical and thermal conductivity after silver.

DISCOVERY

Copper was discovered and known to ancient civilizations. We don’t know the exact date of discovery or the location.

OCCURANCE IN NATURE

Copper is essential in all plants and animals. It occurs naturally in the environment. Some uses of copper come from its ability to control the growth of organisms. This occurs when copper is biologically available and at concentrations that are detrimental. i.e.: in toothpaste and mouthwash it is effective as an antibacterial and antiplaque agent. Also it is used for the control of unwanted organisms in fish farming.

Copper is released into the environment by mining, farming, and manufacturing. Also through waste water released into rivers and lakes. Copper is also released from natural sources like volcanoes, dusts, decaying vegetation and forest fires. Copper released into the environment attaches to particles made of organic matter, clay, soil and sand. Copper does not break down in the environment. The compounds can break down and release free copper into the air, water and foods.

ACQUIRED FOR USE

Copper is extracted from it’s ore by the “pyrrometallurgical” or “hydrometallurgical” method. Pyrometallugical mining consists of mining and milling, smelting and refining. Hydrometallurgical is solvent extraction. This includes two stages, solvent extraction and electro mining.

USES

Copper...