To survive on planet Earth, the human race has had to adapt and learn. From the moment humans moved from the trees into caves, the development of our habitats and living skills have depended on how we harness the elements. Stone and Wood were the first raw materials with which we began to shape our world. Another first was the development of metals. One of the first we discovered, and the most useful, was Copper. We still use this metal today for cooking, decoration, and plumbing with Copper Pipe like the Watkins and Powis Copper Pipe you can purchase for central heating systems and in electronics. What isCopper’s greatest achievements?
- Its discovery marks the end of the Stone Age. Copper tools, weapons and armour were instrumental in getting humans to drop stones and flints. Copper arrows were sharper and truer, meaning that bigger prey could be shot. However, the Copper age does not last long. When it is mixed with Tin, it makes Bronze. This is when the world really began to take off.
- It is a good all-rounder. Copper is easily melted and moulded. It also conducts heat beautifully and equally. It’s very resistant to rusting and retains its strength. Early humans also fancied using it to make decorations. The earliest examples have been found in North America, where it was made by a Native American who was out to impress.
- Copper makes great statues. Because it doesn’t rust or is very resistant to it, Copper is often used in works of public art. One of the most famous examples is that of the Statue of Liberty. Just over 80 tonnes of it was used. This copper was hammered into thin sheets and then hammered to give the right shape to be bent and sculpted.
- Modern uses for Copper are usually centred around construction. It is also deeply important for the plumbing and electrical appliances in the home.
- There is lots of it left. Unlike other resources, it’s estimated that about 290 million tons are still in the USA alone. To make the outlook even better for Copper, it can be easily recycled. If it’s melted down, it can be remade into something new. The best thing is it does not degrade in its quality. It can be used again and again for similar purposes without needing to be constantly mined.
