Copper, the metal with the chemical symbol Cu, has the typical copper-red colour when in its pure and unalloyed state.

The metal is characterised by its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.  It is 1.5 times as high as aluminium and 8 times higher than the conductivity of steel. With its very good reforming properties, copper is also extremely resistant and is highly corrosion resistant.

Over the years copper forms a natural patina in the atmosphere with a colour and chemical composition that is mainly influenced by the atmosphere at the place of application. After the initial colouring in different shades of brown, patina forms over the years with shades varying from yellow-green to blue-green, depending on the climatic conditions. This unique property accounts for the variety of applications and the widespread use of the material.

Classic copper applications, such as roofing and installation pipes, but increasingly high-tech products such as lead-frames, underwater cable strip or the high-purity copper matrix of superconductors are only some examples of the variety of applications. The automotive industry likewise could not manage without copper: each medium-class car contains an average of 25 kg of copper, with a rising tendency.