Quick Overview of Copper: The Oldest Metal

Copper isn’t just your average, garden-variety metal. It’s the granddaddy of all metals, boasting a résumé that dates back thousands of years. Continue reading for a quick overview of copper, the oldest metal and an incredible element.

When Was Copper First Discovered?

Humans stumbled upon copper by accident around 9000 BC in the Middle East. Early humans didn’t have metal detectors; they simply found this shiny, reddish-orange material lying around and decided to make statement jewelry pieces. Little did they know they were kicking off the Copper Age, when this metal would become the talk of the ancient towns.

What Are the Best Qualities of Copper?

So what made copper the “it” metal for our ancestors? First, it’s malleable, which—in non-scientist speak—means it’s easy to twist and turn into shapes. It also doesn’t rust, a quality that might have made ancient hipsters love it for its vintage look that actually stays vintage. Not to mention, it conducts electricity like a champ. It’s second only to silver in the electrical conductivity Olympics. However, unlike silver, it won’t force you to sell your chariot and horses to afford it.

Copper is also antimicrobial. Yup, bacteria and viruses see copper and decide to “nope” out of there faster than guests when you start showing your vacation slides.

Which Industries Use Copper the Most?

Fast forward a few millennia, and copper is still the life of the industrial party. The electrical industry cuddles up to copper the most. You’ll find copper in everything from wiring to generators to motors. If it buzzes or hums with electricity, copper is likely hanging out inside.

Construction workers and architects are also on Team Copper. They love a good copper sheet for roofing or plumbing, and if they’re feeling extra fancy, they’ll throw it on some domes or statues. Then, there are the copper sheet suppliers, the unsung heroes who roll out this versatile material for a variety of projects. They’re the go-to guys when a designer says, “I want this building to look trendy but also survive a zombie apocalypse.”

Copper also plays a crucial role in the transportation arena. It’s under the hood of your vehicle, making sure your morning commute playlist comes through the speakers crisply. And with the rise of electric vehicles, copper is more in demand than ever, like a trendy new coffee shop in a town of coffee-lovers.

So there you have it: a quick overview of copper. As the oldest metal, it keeps our homes warm, our water flowing, and our tech gadgets buzzing. For more information about copper sheet metal, contact our team at Thin Metal Sales. We’ll provide you with quality copper sheets for your newest manufacturing project.