Symbol Cu (from the Latin word cuprum) 

Atomic number 29

The ancient Egyptians used the ankh, the symbol of eternal life, to denote copper.   They realised what a useful, long lasting material copper is.

Native copper, the metal itself, has been known since 9,000 BC. Copper ores are identified by their typical green and blue colours. Copper has played a major part in the progress of mankind over thousands of years.  It has been used, either alone or, with the addition of other elements to form alloys, to make sculptures and coins, weapons and weights, bells and musical instruments, engraving plates and roofs.