Fact Sheet: Copper
Copper is the twenty-ninth element on the periodic table. Copper is an easy metal to mine, and is abundant throughout the world. It can be found in the United States, Chile, Canada, and parts of Africa. The value of copper is high, but because of its abundance, and ease to recycle, it is not extremely expensive.
Copper is typically extracted
from the ores of cuprite, tenorite, malachite, covellite, chalcocite, and
bornite. Because copper is the second electrical conductor, it is often used in
the electrical industry. Copper is often combined with other metals to form
popular alloys and gain strength. In regards to toxins and poisons, copper is
only harmful to the body when it contaminated copper is ingested and results in
copper poisoning. The process of mining for copper can sometimes cause other
toxins to leak into underground water sources.
"The Element Copper." It's Elemental -.
N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2014.
