From the Greek, Kyprios , for the island of Cyprus, where copper was found and mined. It rarely forms as crystals. It has a characteristic copper-red color on freshly broken or scratched surfaces. More often it's covered with a light film of tarnish, which can be black, blue, or green.
Copper is a native metal , which means it can be found in an uncombined metallic form.
Copper is easily extracted from rocks, and people have used it for thousands of years to make tools and jewelry. It conducts heat and electricity. It's very malleable and can be hammered thinly without breaking. It's used in electrical apparatus and wire, electronic equipment, roofing materials, tools, coins, and plumbing. Copper alloys include brass and bronze.