10 Mind-Blowing Copper Facts
Think you know all there is to know about Copper? Think again! Check out these unbelievable and mind-blowing copper facts!
Fact 1: The Statue Of Liberty
Did you know that the Statue of Liberty is made from copper? Her weight remains somewhat of a mystery with varying different accounts of how much copper was used to make her up (much like any other woman who never reveals her weight!)
The copper came from copper mines in Norway, however was created by French artisans who transported her thousands of miles to her home on Liberty Island in New York.
Did you also know that the copper used is a mere 2.4 millimetres thick- the same as about two pennies put together? The copper has oxidised over time to create the green patina coating over its surface- which helps protect the surface from corrosion since 1886!
Fact 2: Periodic Table
The Copper chemical is represented with the symbol Cu and is atomic number 29 on the periodic table, in group number 11, sitting above silver and gold.
Fact 3: Heat
Copper has a melting point of: 1084.62oC, 1984.32oF and a boiling point of: 2560oc, 4640oF
Fact 4: Germ Buster
Copper has antimicrobial properties meaning it kills germs, bacteria’s and viruses when the microorganism comes into contact with it surface. Its antibacterial properties make it common for uses such as door handles in public spaces.
Fact 5: Origins
Copper got its name from a Latin word ‘Cuprum’ which means from the island of Cyprus. Most copper was mined from Cyprus at this time by the Roman Empire.
Fact 6: Coins
Coins are made up of a mixture of metals- the main metals being: copper, nickel, zinc and iron.
Pre 1992 copper accounted for the largest part of their composition, with it making up at least 75% of the total if not more of their makeup. However rising prices of the metal saw that the copper content of the coins becoming worth more than the monetary value of the coin itself. Post 1992 the coins composition changed with mild steel, either nickel or copper plated making up largest element of the coins.
Fact 7: Food
Copper is an essential trace mineral that our body needs to maintain good health and development- but it something that we cannot make ourselves and therefore has to be consumed into the body. There are foods which are naturally high in copper including: nuts and seeds, organ meats, oysters, lobster, shitake mushrooms, leafy greens and our personal favourite- dark chocolate!
Fact 8: Sustainable Material
Copper is a 100% recyclable material, and it is cheaper to recycle than to mine new copper. It is thought that around 75% of all copper that has ever been mined is still in use today having been recycled many times before with new uses. It has the ability to keep all of its properties and does not become in any way diminished by being recycled. This makes this one of the best sustainable materials out there.
Fact 9: Colour
Copper and gold are the only two naturally occurring metals that have a colour of their own. Most other metals have a silvery grey appearance but copper has a distinctive reddish orangey colour. The colour of copper changes when it becomes oxidised and develops a patina of a green tinge.
Fact 10: Fireworks
Did you know that fireworks are made from metal salts which when burned produce different colours depending on what metal salts are used? Copper chloride salts used within fireworks produce the bright blue fireworks that you see!