It is considered to be the first metal ever used by man, thousasnds of years ago. In fact, man's emergence from the Stone Age is characterized by the discovery of the native form of copper. Civilizations, past and present, have made great use of copper because the metal possesses many practical qualities. It is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity and is easy to work with. It is highly resistant to corrosion.
Copper is adaptable to artistic and architectural applications and is pleasing to the eye.
Ancient peoples used copper for everything from nails to water piping. The Chinese liked it for bells and cauldrons, while the Romans preferred it for weaponry and personal adornments. In fact, the Romans were the first to alloy copper with zinc to make brass coins. Today we use copper for an endless variety of applications and often, as is the case with many metals, we don't even notice it. In many areas of the world the typical home is where a good deal of copper is used - in wiring and plumbing, in large and small appliances, telephone lines and electric motors.