B.C. Cyprus, from which the metal's name originally comes, was the primary source of copper in the ancient world. Properties Copper is a reddish metal with a face-centered cubic crystalline structure. It is malleable, ductile, and an extremely good conductor of both heat and electricity. It is softer than iron but harder than zinc and can be polished to a bright finish. It is found in group Ib of the periodic table , together with silver and gold.
Copper has low chemical reactivity.
Salt water corrodes copper, forming a chloride. Compounds The most important chemical compound of copper is copper sulfate pentahydrate, also called bluestone or blue vitriol. Other compounds include Paris green , Bordeaux mixture , a cyanide, a chloride, oxides, and a basic carbonate. Verdigris is basic copper acetate. Sources and Ores Small amounts of copper are found uncombined, particularly near Lake Superior in Michigan.