Non-ferrous

High ductility and malleability

High thermal and electrical conductivity

Resists alkaline chemicals

Generally corrosion-resistant, but it will weather from brown to greenish-blue if it's not finished. This is called a patina

Easily fabricated

Melted into molds and used for tools beginning in the Copper Age (4000 B.C.)

Can be treated by polishing to maintain shine, allowing it to develop a patina, or artificially aging it to the desired stage and maintaining the look with a lacquer finish

Patina can be preserved at any time by applying a transparent coating

Maintained by sponge cleaning the patina with phosphoric and nitric acid in water, sponge soaking in sodium bicarbonate to remove staining, or applying a wax coat to spread the patina evenly.

Easily recycled; 100% recyclable without any loss in quality

Waste products include arsenic and lead

Used to create alloys such as Bronze when combined with tin

Does not affect indoor air quality when finished

Most expensive metal

The International Copper Association, Ltd. defends and grows markets for greater quality copper on an international level.