koper

Koper is a term with multiple meanings. In Dutch and Afrikaans, koper denotes the chemical element copper, with symbol Cu and atomic number 29. Copper is a reddish metal known for high electrical and thermal conductivity, ductility, and malleability. It is widely used in electrical wiring, plumbing, heat exchangers, and as an alloying component in bronze (with tin) and brass (with zinc). Copper occurs naturally in minerals such as chalcopyrite and bornite and as native copper. It is extracted through mining and refined for industrial use, and its relatively high value supports extensive recycling. The metal forms a green patina over time when exposed to air and moisture, a characteristic seen on many outdoor copper surfaces.

Separately, Koper is the name of a port city in southwestern Slovenia on the Adriatic Sea. It is the administrative center of the Slovenian coastal region and hosts the country’s principal commercial port. The city has ancient roots and has experienced Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian influence, among others. Its historic core blends medieval and late-Venetian architecture with a modern harbor area, reflecting its role as a gateway for trade and transportation in Slovenia. The name also appears in various regional uses and languages, illustrating how a single term can denote both a fundamental metal and a distinct urban center.