Copper was one of the first metals in human history to be utilised and has been a valued material throughout time from helping ancient civilisations emerge from the Stone Age to playing a vital role in the leading-edge technologies of the present day. It is one of the transitional elements with the symbol Cu and it can be found in its native state or in combination with minerals.
Copper got its name from the Latin word Cuprum, the ancient name for the island of Cyprus where the Romans got much of their copper. It was first used in its native form at least 10,000 years ago but it wasn’t until a few thousand years later when it was alloyed with tin to form bronze, that it really gained momentum as a diverse and practical commodity.
