A Visual Encyclopedia of the Periodic Table

68

Transition Metals

Forms

Copper is a soft, bendy metal that is an

excellent conductor of electricity and heat.

Although it is one of the few elements found

pure in nature, most of it exists in ores such as

chalcopyrite. Other copper minerals, such as

malachite and azurite, are brightly coloured.

Copper is the only metal that has a reddish

colour in its pure form. Pure copper is mainly

used as wires in electrical equipment. Copper

wire wrapped around an iron core and then

electrified helps create an electromagnet. Because

they can be switched on or off, electromagnets can

Copper 29 29 35 State: SolidDiscovery: Prehistoric

Cu

29

M

al

ac

h

it

e

In caves,

feather-like

cr ystals are

often formed.

These golden

yellow cr ystals

contain copper sulfide.

Branchlike

cr ystals

of copper

Unique reddish

orange colour

Crustacean blood

Crustacean blood is blue

because it contains copper.

Colourful tarnish

develops when the

mineral reacts with air.

Copper

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