Wonder Metal: 4 Facts about Copper

Posted by R J on July 25th, 2019

Copper is one of the most well-known metals out there, given its excellent performance of a variety of tasks in any kind of environment. Custom copper extrusions may be used in electrical connectors, switches, generators, and architecture. But here are a couple of other things you might want to know about the material.

It's Been Around for a Really, Really Long Time

Dubbed the "oldest metal," shiny, reddish copper was first discovered by humans around 10,000 years ago. Eventually, ancient people pioneered the practice of smelting, which is the heating up of ores to extract base metals.

From there, the obtained material was fashioned into various items, like knives, spearheads, belt boxes, brooches, and food and drink vessels. A pendant that was made in 8,700 BCE is the oldest copper item discovered in an archeological excavation. This metal was also featured as decorative details on roofs, walls, and doors of ancient temples and other structures. Even the tubes of early plumbing systems were made of it.

It Was Used as a Canvas

Artists such as El Greco, Jan Brueghel, Leonardo da Vinci, and Rembrandt have all painted on copper sheets. It became favored because of its "toothless" or extremely smooth surface. Wielding liquid brushes over this material resulted in stunning images. A metallic, jewel-like finish was achieved with a special coating that locked the paint onto the canvas. Such works are known to be durable and maintain a fresh and brilliant look for many years.

It Was Used to Make Different Colors

Its contribution to visual arts doesn't stop there, as artists have also used it to create pigments. Egyptian blue, a color that was used on prehistoric ceramics, statues, murals, and sarcophagi, owes its deep cerulean hue to the metal. This bluish effect may also be seen in ancient Greek and Roman paintings.

Verdigris is a deep blue-green hue that was made by submerging a copper plate in a container filled with grape leaves and brine, which resulted in a paint that looks quite similar to aquamarine and teal.

It Has Many Industrial Applications

Today, you can still find this material in pipe systems, jewelry, and art installations; but its applications have increased with the help of technological advancements. Appliances, gadgets, modes of transportation, and more contain parts that are produced by a copper extrusion manufacturer.

It's highly sought after because of its many outstanding properties, including ductility, malleability, and heat conductivity. In terms of conducting electricity, copper's performance is only second to silver; explaining its frequent use in electronics. It's also anti-bacterial, which is why it's a top choice for doorknobs and handrails.

Now that you've learned more about this fascinating super metal and its many uses throughout history, try coming up with a more modern creative project. Get in touch with a copper extrusion manufacturer for the parts you'll need.