Cuprul

Cuprul is the chemical element copper, with symbol Cu and atomic number 29. It is a soft, malleable, reddish metal known for its high electrical and thermal conductivity. In many languages, the word cuprul is used to refer to copper. The pure metal is typically reddish-orange and develops a green patina when oxidized in air.

Occurrence and production: Cuprul occurs naturally as native copper and in minerals such as chalcopyrite, bornite, and malachite. Major producers include Chile, Peru, China, the United States, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is commonly extracted by open-pit mining; ore is processed to blister copper and then refined electrochemically to high-purity copper.

Properties and alloys: Copper is highly ductile and has excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. It forms important alloys such as brass (copper–zinc) and bronze (copper–tin). Common applications include electrical wiring, plumbing, heat exchangers, roofing, and coinage.

History and etymology: The name copper derives from Latin cuprum, originally from the island of Cyprus, where a long history of copper mining is recorded. Copper has been used since antiquity and played a key role in the Bronze Age.

Safety and environment: Copper is an essential trace element for many organisms but can be toxic at elevated concentrations. Copper mining and refining raise environmental concerns, including energy use and waste disposal. Proper handling, recycling, and regulatory controls help mitigate impacts.