The symbol Cu (from Latin: cuprum) and 29 for copper is a chemical element. It is a smooth, malt able and ductile metal of very large thermal and electrical capacity. A pure pinkish-orange surface is freshly revealed. Copper is a heat and electric conductor, a construction material, and an ingredient in many metal alloys, such as sterling silver used in joinery, cupronickel used for the manufacture of marine hardware and coins, and constants for the calculation of the temperature used in stress gauges and thermocouples.