Who Discovered Copper
Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu. It’s atomic number is 29. This post will tell you who discovered copper and then look at some interesting facts about copper.
Who discovered copper?
Unfortunately, no one knows who discovered copper. Copper occurs in nature uncombined with any other things. Therefore, it has been recognized and used by civilizations for thousands of years. It is likely that gold and iron were the only other two metals used before copper. Many civilizations (including the Balkans and the Chinese) developed copper smelting before 2000 BC. So the ultimate answer to who discovered copper? No one knows as almost every civilization has used it for thousands of years.
Interesting facts about copper
- Chile, the USA, Peru and Indonesia are the world’s largest producers of copper.
- Most copper has been mined in the last 100 years. The natural supply of copper will eventually run out. Recycling is a major source of copper in the world today.
- Copper is 100% recyclable without any loss of quality. About 80% of copper ever mined throughout history is still in use today thanks to recycling!
- Copper is antibacterial. Brass doorknobs, which contain copper, kill bacteria within an 8 hour period. Surfaces that are often touched in hospitals are often coated in copper so any transferred germs are killed.
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