Copper properties

Copper, a naturally abundant metal in the Earth’s crust, exhibits a salmon-pink hue on a freshly cut surface, hence its nickname "red metal."

Its name derives from the island of Cyprus, where the first mines supplying the metal were exploited around the Mediterranean. This term simplified to "cuprum," thereby giving rise to the word "copper" in English.

Endowed with remarkable properties of corrosion resistance and malleability, and renowned for its exceptional thermal and electrical conductivity, copper has always played a crucial role in the history of humanity.

History, legends and beliefs about copper

Copper was one of the earliest metals utilized by humanity, marking a pivotal stage in its development. Its significance was such that a historical period was named the "Copper Age," later evolving into the "Bronze Age" with the introduction of metal alloys.

The Copper Age began at different times across regions worldwide.
The oldest traces were discovered in Iran, at the archaeological site of Sialk III, dating back to the 5th millennium BCE.
Copper objects were also found in Anatolia as early as 6000 BCE.
The use of the lost-wax technique in Asia dates back to 4500-4000 BCE, while in China, the earliest traces of copper work date to around 2800 BCE.
In the Andes, copper metallurgy is evidenced as early as 2000 BCE.
In West Africa, it is believed to have begun around 900 BCE.
In Central America, copper work is more recent, dating to around 600 CE.
In Europe, the Copper Age is generally situated between 3200 and 2000 BCE. The discovery of Ötzi the Iceman, a hunter dating back to around 3300 BCE, bearing a copper axe, is tangible evidence of copper work during this time.

Similarly, the Bronze Age emerged at different times across the world. This era is characterized by the use of copper-zinc alloys to produce brass, or copper and tin to obtain bronze.
The Egyptians appear to have crafted bronze objects as early as 3500 BCE. By 2400 BCE, they were using copper to sterilize wounds and water. Around 1500 BCE, copper was also employed to treat headaches, burns, and itching. The hieroglyphic symbol for copper is the Ankh, representing eternal life.
Bronze artifacts have been discovered in Sumerian cities, dating back to 3000 BCE, indicating the early spread of this advanced metallurgical technology.
In Europe, the Bronze Age reached its peak between 2500 and 600 BCE, while brass became particularly important under the Roman Empire.

In the Mediterranean region, copper mining was primarily concentrated around the island of Cyprus during antiquity. The first copper mines enabled the Minoan, Mycenaean, and Phoenician civilizations to thrive by organizing the trade of this precious metal.

In ancient Greece, the metal was known as "Chalkos" and was associated with the goddess of beauty, Aphrodite (Venus for the Romans), due to the metal’s luster, its use in making mirrors, and its origin from Cyprus, the goddess's island.
Hippocrates already recommended copper for treating leg varicose ulcers as early as 400 BCE.

The Romans dubbed the metal "Aes Cyprium" or "metal of Cyprus," a name that evolved over time to simply become "copper." This term was later simplified to "cuprum," thereby giving rise to the word "copper" in English.
The Romans used copper as currency between the 6th and 3rd centuries BCE.
They also developed the largest copper production of the time, a record that was only surpassed during the Industrial Revolution. The metal was primarily extracted from Hispania, Cyprus, and Central Europe.

According to the Bible, the doors of the Temple of Jerusalem were made of Corinthian bronze, a material renowned for its strength and beauty. Similarly, in the Temple of Solomon, built around 1000 BCE, there was the "Sea of Bronze" or the "Bronze Sea," an impressive circular reservoir capable of holding up to 45 tons of water. This structure rested on twelve bronze sculptures of oxen, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel.
Another intriguing copper artifact is the Copper Scroll of the Dead Sea, discovered at Khirbet Qumran. Unlike other Dead Sea Scrolls written on leather or papyrus, this one is made of nearly pure copper. It mentions a treasure believed to be from the Second Temple of Jerusalem, but the precise location of this treasure remains formally unidentified.

In ancient India, long before 1000 BCE, copper was revered for its medicinal virtues, forming an integral part of Ayurvedic holistic medicine. Regarded as a sacred metal, copper was utilized for its healing and energizing properties, embodying the profound connection between humans and nature in the pursuit of well-being and healing.

In Baghdad, in 1936, an extraordinary discovery was made: a copper object dating back to around 248 BCE. Copper cylinders welded with lead, inserted into a ceramic vessel about fifteen centimeters high, were found. Some speculate that this could be the world’s first battery, although this fascinating theory remains to be confirmed. This historical puzzle continues to fuel researchers’ curiosity and ignite passionate debates about ancient technological advancements.

Across the Atlantic, the Aztecs utilized copper as a remedy for sore throats, practicing gargling to alleviate pains and discomfort. This ingenious use of copper speaks to the diversity of medical applications for this precious metal across continents and cultures.

Following antiquity, copper saw its relative importance decline with the rise of ironworking. Nonetheless, it maintained its ubiquitous presence, transitioning from currency to art and various other domains.

During the Renaissance, copper regained prominence in sculpture and was extensively used to sheath the hulls of ships, including those of Christopher Columbus. Its use also expanded to bell-making, with its ability to alter sound appreciated.

It wasn’t until the 19th century that copper regained significance in industry, notably in the electrical field for wiring and other applications. It also found major uses in plumbing and superconductors. Today, it ranks as the world’s third most-used metal, just behind iron and aluminum, demonstrating its versatility and ongoing value in our modern society.

In popular culture, copper is much more than just a metal. It is often associated with the planet Venus, embodying qualities of femininity, youthfulness, and love. Its warm hue and luster evoke passion and vitality, making copper a powerful symbol of feminine energy and romance.

In folk traditions, copper is also celebrated as the symbol of the 32nd wedding anniversary. This longevity pays tribute to the durability and strength of the marital bond, much like the malleable and resilient nature of copper itself.

In alchemy, copper holds deep significance. It is represented by a stylized mirror, a symbol of both the planet Venus and the metal’s reflective properties. This alchemical mirror represents copper’s ability to reveal inner truth and illuminate hidden aspects of the soul, symbolizing the quest for knowledge and personal transformation.

Mines: Chili, the USA, Peru, Australia, Russia, Indonesia, Canada, Zambia, Poland.

Healing properties and benefits of copper

Copper, a metal with remarkable properties, offers a plethora of health benefits:

• By promoting balanced blood flow and supporting the proper functioning of the circulatory system, copper helps maintain optimal blood circulation, crucial for overall health.
• Its use in treating bone issues speaks to its regenerative virtues and support for bone health, promoting strength and flexibility in bones.
• Renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, copper is a valuable ally in relieving arthritis and rheumatism, soothing joint pain and improving mobility.
• Recommended for regulating sexuality, copper plays a role in hormonal balance and sexual well-being, promoting a fulfilling intimate life.
• Its ability to combat inflammation, poisonings, and intoxications makes it a potent natural remedy, offering protection against various ailments and toxins.
• Copper is also known for its ability to protect vital organs such as the kidneys, spleen, and gallbladder, strengthening the immune system and promoting long-term health.

In summary, copper represents more than just a metal: it embodies a source of vitality and well-being, offering valuable support for physical and emotional health.