Copper and gold are the only metals on the periodic table that aren’t naturally silver or grey.

The oldest known metal object in the Middle East is a 7,000-year-old copper awl, found in the grave of a woman believed to have held high status. Around 4,500 years ago, copper pipes were used in Egyptian funerary pyramids, and despite the decay of the complex, the pipes remained in excellent condition.

• Around 3000 BC, people discovered that adding tin to copper created bronze—a stronger, more versatile alloy used for tools, weapons, and jewellery. This innovation marked the beginning of the Bronze Age (c. 3300–1200 BC), likely first occurring in Mesopotamia or Egypt.
• Wales has been a significant copper producer for over 4,000 years, exporting copper across Europe from the Bronze Age through to Roman times.
• Copper oxidises over time, forming a green patina. This is why the copper-plated Statue of Liberty, originally reddish-orange, turned green by 1920—34 years after its unveiling.
• Ancient uses of copper—such as for plumbing, currency, roofing, cookware, and jewellery—are still relevant today. Its excellent heat and electrical conductivity also make it vital for modern applications like wiring, electronics, and heat exchangers.
• Copper is naturally antimicrobial, a property recognised since ancient times. It’s still used for touch surfaces like door handles and railings in healthcare to reduce the spread of pathogens.
• According to the U.S. Geological Survey, copper is the third-most-used industrial metal after iron and aluminium. Roughly 75% goes into electrical wiring and telecommunications.
• Copper alloys serve specialised roles. For example, copper-nickel resists seawater corrosion and marine growth, making it ideal for ship hulls. Copper also enhances other metals’ properties, such as hardness and colour. It’s often alloyed with gold to create redder hues in lower carat jewellery.
• Finally, copper is highly recyclable—about one-third of global consumption comes from recycled material. It can be reused indefinitely without losing its physical or chemical qualities.