It's behind the walls of your home, in electrical and telephone wiring. It's in computers, refrigerators, microwaves and automobiles. T he average home today contains about 400 pounds of copper for electrical wiring, water pipes and appliances, while the automobile you drive contains about 50 pounds. Each child born today in America will need 1500 pounds of copper in the course of his or her lifetime to enjoy our current standard of living. Copper is malleable, ductile and long lasting.
Copper is a better conductor of heat and electricity than any other metal except silver.
Without copper, there might never have been an electric light or space flight. This miraculous mineral and its alloys are at the heart of all technology, from telecommunications to transportation. When zinc is alloyed with copper, brass is made. And when tin is alloyed with copper, bronze is made. Both brass and bronze are stronger than pure copper and do not corrode in air or water except for a small amount of tarnishing.