Beading Glossary Copper

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Copper

While it doesn’t share the same colorful, often brutal history with Gold or convey the same elegance as Silver, Copper is certainly a metal that holds its own in the world of jewelry making and art. The name Copper derives from the Latin “Cuprum” which is of itself a derivation of “Cyprium” or “Metal of Cyprus” where it was mined by the ancient Romans. Its use goes back even further – perhaps 10,000 years.

Copper is another natural germicidal metal, and bacteria that come in contact with Copper generally die within hours. Most living organisms in the plant and animal family have a natural amount of Copper in their system. Several nutritional supplements and vitamins include trace amounts of Copper. However too much Copper in the system can be fatally toxic. Copper retention in the body has also been noticed in schizophrenics.

Copper is the primary metal used to make both Brass and Bronze. All are non-ferrous metals (meaning they don’t contain Iron) and so magnets will not stick to them. Bronze is made by combining Copper with (usually) Tin. Brass is made by adding Zinc to Copper. Another Copper alloy is Monel, or “Cupronickel”, made by adding Nickel to the Copper. Monel is not suitable for jewelry due to the presence of Nickel. Copper, when mixed with Gold, can give the Gold a reddish cast. However in non-metallic stones, the presence of Copper adds a green color.

Copper traces are found in Malachite – that’s where the green color comes from. Azurite is also a Copper-derived stone, although its color is a very pronounced blue. These stones are made by the erosion of Copper and Limestone together. Copper is also present in Turquoise along with Aluminum. It is no surprise that Turquoise is found in such Copper-rich regions as the Southwestern US.

Copper is second in electrical conductivity to Silver, and because of its abundance, color, and electrical qualities, many people who believe in metaphysics will use Copper in creating ritual items. Copper jewelry is believed by some to be good for the circulation, and bracelets and necklaces made of Copper can often be found for sale in holistic health stores. In mythology, Copper is associated with the planet (and the goddess) Venus.

Like Gold and Silver, Copper has its own rating system to designate purity. 4N Copper is 99.99% pure. 5N Copper is 99.999% pure, and so on.

Unlike Silver and Gold, Copper tarnishes rather quickly and easily when exposed to the elements. It will first turn a dull bronzy-brown in color. The presence of water will cause it to turn blue-green in streaks with traces of pink, brown, and orange. The look of oxidized Copper, called “verdigris” or “verde,” has been a popular faux finish in home furnishings since the late 1980’s. Copper can be coated to prevent oxidation, and it can be treated with special acids to hasten the oxidation, as when used as a roofing material.

Copper as a jewelry item is very popular in designs from the Southwest. It can look stunning alone, or with other metals such as Silver. It is often used with blue-green stones and beads such as Turquoise that set off its unique color, but can be equally as attractive with stones in the black or brown range. The abundance of Copper beads and findings, the malleability of Copper, and the variety of designs available allow the jewelry maker unlimited creativity when working with this beautiful metal.

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Copper