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History of Copper

Copper has been an essential material to man since pre-historic times. In fact, one of the major “ages” or stages of human history is named for a copper alloy, bronze. Copper and it’s many alloys have played an important role in many civilizations, from the ancient Egyptians, Romans to modern day cultures around the world. Here, you will find a number of reference materials detailing the role that copper has played throughout human civilization for thousands of years.

Resources

60 Centuries of Copper: Intended for the reader who is interested in the general history of copper mining, the development of metal-working processes and the uses of copper through the past six thousand years. Based on Sixty Centuries of Copper by B Webster Smith which was published by the UK Copper Development Association in 1965.

The History of Copper in the U.S. covers the history of copper production and consumption throughout American history to present day.

Copper nugget on Copper Creek Copper Nugget on Copper Creek
The information provided in this section has been collected from many varied sources and is true and accurate insofar as the Copper Development Association Inc. has been able to determine.

Additional Resources

The CDA web site provides many other resources for people interested in learning more about copper and its alloys.

Take a look at Innovations - our on-line magazine.

Please also check out Copper In Your Home - a section dedicated to consumers, with a special section just for kids!

If you need metallurgical or properties information, take a look at the Standards & Properties section.

Please also take a look at our application specific sections if you are looking for information regarding plumbing, electrical, architecture, and other copper alloy applications.