|
|
| Copper 
Cu
General Information
Discovery Copper was known to ancient civilisations, and is said to have been mined for more than 5000 years. Appearance Copper is a reddish colour and takes on a bright sheen. It is malleable and ductile. Source Copper metal does occur naturally, but by far the greatest source is in minerals such as chalcopyrite and bornite. Copper ores (copper sulfides, oxides and carbonates) are found in the USA and Canada, as well as several other places. From these ores and minerals copper is obtained by smelting, leaching and electrolysis. Uses The greatest percentage of copper used is in electrical equipment such as wiring and motors. Brass and bronze are both copper alloys and are extensively used. All American coins are now copper alloys, and gun metals also contain copper. Copper sulfate is used widely as an agricultural poison and as an algicide in water purification. Copper compounds such as Fehling’s solution are used in chemical tests for sugar detection. Biological Role Copper is an essential element although excess copper is toxic. General Information Copper is a good conductor of heat and electricity - hence its use in the electrical industry. It is resistant to air and water but slowly weathers to the green patina of the carbonate often seen on roofs and statues.
Physical Information Atomic Number 29 Relative Atomic Mass (12C=12.000) 63.546 Melting Point/K 1357 Boiling Point/K 2840 Density/kg m-3 8960 (293K) Ground State Electron Configuration [Ar]3d104s1 Electron Affinity (M-M-)/kJ mol-1 -118.3
Investment Information
How much will copper rise over the next 5 years as China, India, Russia, and every other developing country continue to deplete the world's copper supply!?!
Here are a few more reasons to invest in copper...
Copper is the 3rd most widely used metal in the world (behind iron & aluminum). Some of it's uses include:
Electrical Wires Relays Water Piping Printed Circuit Boards Computer Chips Lead-Free Solder Electromagnetic motors, generators, and transformers Vacuum Tubes (used in microwaves and other items) Ammunition (1943 steel penny) Statues Alloyed with All precios metals to add strength and durability
While no one can predict how the commodity markets will move, it is a natural comparison between the silver coins pre-1964 (currently trading at 10:1) and the copper penny!
The US mint stopped making copper pennies in 1982 because they knew the value of copper was worth more than the penny TWENTY SIX YEARS AGO!! They propose a change to a steel-plated penny starting in 2009. THERE WILL BE NO MORE COPPER COINS!
The Chicago Federal Reserve has issued suggestions to "re-base" the penny to the current nickel value...Instant 5:1 without worrying about market conditions!
With the current industrialization of China, Russia, & India, the world copper demand will continue to out pace supply (no new large copper finds in the last 100 years...) Some economist and geologist speculate copper will "run dry" in as little as 20 years.
With the government now owning your house, your insurance company, and soon ALL bad bank assets (totaling over $1 TRILLION), it might be time to move out of your Federal Reserve Notes into STABLE bullion that can never lose value!
| |
|
|