9781422285541

11 Chapter One: History

Found on every continent, including Asia, South America, Africa, and Europe, copper is truly a miracle metal.

Copper by the Numbers Atomic number: 29 Atomic symbol: Cu Atomic weight: 63.546 Phase at room temperature: solid Melting point: 1,984˚F (1,085˚C) Boiling point: 4,640˚F (2,560˚C)

The First Copper Mines Our early ancestors understood power of copper very well. Gold and silver might make them rich and powerful, but tools and weapons made of copper could help build a house, kill an animal for dinner, or defeat a foe in battle.

Historians are not sure exactly when humans first discovered copper. Some say humans first began using the metal about 11,000 years ago in the Middle East. Others say a bit earlier. Whatever the year, scientists know that in North America, people began mining copper about 5,000 years ago on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, which darts into Lake Superior.

Copper tools, probably used for woodworking, in Ancient Greece, around 2700 to 2200 BCE.