What is Copper Used For?

The reddish brown colored metal copper has been used to make coins, utensils, jewelry, since thousands of years. 'Cu' is the symbol of this element. Stone age was followed by the copper age as man discovered copper. Polishing gives a bright finish to this metal. Various copper compounds are used in different types of industries. Since the question what is copper used for is lingering in your mind, let us first take a look at its everyday uses.

Health Benefits of the Element Copper in Diet

• Promotes proper utilization of iron in the body.
• Maintains bone health.
• Reduces tissue damage caused by free radicals, helps maintain the health of the tissues.
• Stimulates the production of the pigment called melanin.
• Helps maintain normal functioning of the thyroid.
• Protects the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerves.
• Lack of copper in diet can lead to iron deficiency anemia, skin sores, frequent infections. The deficiency can result in bone and joint problems, hair loss, discoloration of skin, fatigue. It can cause frequent ruptures in blood vessels, high LDL and low HDL cholesterol, arrhythmia, breathing difficulty.

In human beings, hemoglobin is made up of iron and oxygen. Many animals have hemocyanin instead of hemoglobin. In hemocyanin, iron is replaced by copper; for example, in crustaceans (that is why their blood is blue). Thus copper is an important element in human and animal bodies.

Foods Rich in Copper

• Calf's liver
• Crimini mushrooms
• Turnip greens
• Molasses
• Chard
• Spinach
• Sesame seeds
• Mustard greens
• Kale
• Summer squash
• Asparagus
• Eggplant
• Cashews
• Peppermint
• Tomatoes
• Sunflower seeds
• Ginger
• Green beans
• Potato
• Tempeh

Uses of Copper at Home

• Copper supplements are recommended to people who have been diagnosed with copper deficiency.
• Copper jewelry was popular in ancient times and is sought after, even in modern times.
• It is believed that the bracelets made from this metal help lower the symptoms of arthritis.
• Doorknobs and various other fixtures in the house are made of this metal.
• Copper utensils are supposed to be the best utensils for cooking.
• Showpieces, statues, sculptures, antique pieces made of copper enhance the beauty of the house.
• The metal is used in water heating cylinders, bathtubs, sinks and counters.

Industrial Uses of Copper

• Copper being a good conductor of electricity, is used to make electrical wires and extensively used in electrical appliances, transformers, motors, push bars, generators, etc.
• Brass and bronze are the popular alloys of copper. These are commonly used in construction of buildings, roofs, heating and plumbing system.
• Gunmetal that was originally used to make guns but now used to make valves and hydraulic castings, contains 90% copper.
• US coins are made from another copper alloy.
• Use of this metal in fireworks, fire retardants is quite common.
• It is an invariable part of water purification methods, wood preservatives and metal preservatives.
• It is required for manufacturing of ceramics and enamels, photographic films, etc.
• It is added to animal food as a growth stimulant for fattening pigs and broiler chickens.
• It is used to correct the copper deficiency in soil.
• It is added to book binding pastes and glues because it works as an insecticide.
• When it is added to animal and silicate glues, it makes them water resistant.
• It is used in different antiseptic and germicide products that are used to control and prevent various diseases in human beings and animals as well.
• Copper compounds are used to manufacture pesticides and insecticides. For example, basic copper acetate, copper chromate, copper fluotosilicate, copper oxalate, etc.
• The metal is required to build trams, lorries, cars, trains, etc. Copper wire harness system promotes transportation of the electric current from the battery of the vehicle to the lights, phone chargers, central locking, computers including GPS unit, etc.

I hope you know one interesting fact about the metal copper. In the 'Statue of Liberty', about 80 tons of copper was used. This was, and perhaps still is, the largest use of copper in one single structure!