Chalcopyrite - Copper Ore
A phenomenally useful metal, the name is derived from
cuprum, as the metal was well-known in Roman times to be mined on the island of Cyprus. It is a coinage metal, like silver and gold. Because is it frequently found on the surface of the earth and is easily worked into various shapes, it is one of the first used by humanoids.
Copper has a reddish-yellow color in sunlight, but a thin sheet can appear green when lit from the back. It is soft, heavy, malleable, ductile and relatively strong. Impurities in the metal, such as arsenic, can reduce its quality. Molten copper absorbs air, especially when agitated. When the metal solidifies, the air collects in blisters that make sound copper castings difficult to produce. It does not corrode in dry weather or from steam, but it will do so if heated. The effect is called ‘verdigris,’ and the result is similar to the appearance of malachite. Copper dissolves readily in vitriol, and produces a sulphur deposit in doing so.
Sheet copper is used by builders for roofing and plating ships. Copper is frequently used for the making of kettles, stills, containers and other utensils. It produces a red, green or blue color in the making of glaze in ceramics or for glass.
Cuprite - Copper Ore
It is one of the most widely used alloying metals, such as brass (copper and zinc) or bronze (copper and tin). Some of these are familiar, such as brittania metal (copper, antimony and tin), German silver (copper, zinc and nickel), sterling silver (copper and silver), 18-carat gold (copper, gold and silver) and coins (copper with nickel, silver or gold). The addition of 0.25% of copper to iron reduces corrosion.
Copper introduced into the body is an active poison, the treatment of which is to induce vomiting and to administer white of egg or milk. Copper salts have been used to remove parasitic infestations.
Nugget - Native Copper