CopperCopper can today and historically be described as one of the most important metals. It is located among the transition metals of the periodic table and constitutes element 29, with the abbreviation Cu. Copper has been and continues to be an important metal because it contains a significant variation of desirable characteristics due to which it can be used in many areas, as seen throughout history. If copper is not entirely suitable for this purpose, it can be made into alloys such as bronze, cupronickel and brass which, depending on the ratios, can be introduced/used from the combined metals. These three alloys all contain a majority of copper, but the proportions in which the metals are combined can be different. Copper is considered the first metal mined and used by humans, with a copper pendant dated 8700 BC found in the Middle East. Copper was a likely choice for early civilizations because it was a “soft” metal. This meant that even with a lack of technology, tools, and knowledge, humans had the ability to shape copper to form tools, armor, weapons, ornaments, and cooking utensils. However, as mentioned, copper is a relatively soft metal, which is why it wasn't really ideal for armor, tools, or weapons. The discovery of the technique for combining two or more metallic substances, that is, an alloy, was an important innovation. Processes for extracting copper from compounds were not developed until around 5,000 BC, so the pure copper used came directly from what they found, otherwise they could use ores containing copper. Over time it was discovered that, under the right conditions, copper and tin could be combined into bronze by heating the metal...... middle of paper...... their concentration can cause asthma. Sulfur dioxide can also cause acid rain when a buildup forms in the atmosphere. Resources such as copper are limited throughout the earth. To date, approximately 12-13% of all known copper reserves have been mined. By recycling copper, we reduce the demand for copper, which saves the environment by reducing the mining required and therefore saving the ecosystems that rely on copper ore. Copper is an ideal recyclable metal because it is 100% recyclable, meaning it is not damaged or loses its properties (i.e. strength, malleability, etc.) during the process recycling. The copper recycling process uses less energy than the extraction process; therefore, toxins and other emissions, such as sulfur dioxide, are not released into the atmosphere. Recycling also means less waste, thereby reducing landfills and landfills, helping ecosystems..