Copper’s attractive and unique properties are responsible for its high demand. For example, only silver exceeds copper in electrical conductivity. Many consider gold to be the best conductor, but silver and copper rank first and second, respectively. The only advantage gold has over silver and copper is its resistance to corrosion.
Copper is second only to silver in thermal conductivity. For this reason, copper is the metal of choice for high-end cookware. As I write this, copper sells for $0.28 per ounce while silver sells for $23.78 per ounce. Imagine the price of a 2-quart Dutch oven made from silver.
Copper is in high demand because of its good electrical and thermal conductivity and its low cost compared to other metals with similar properties.
The ability of copper to easily form alloys with other metals also contributes to the high demand for this metal. It is often combined with other metals such as zinc (to form brass), tin (to form bronze), or nickel. These alloys have desirable properties and, depending on their composition, are developed for highly specialized applications. For example, in the maritime industry, hulls are clad with copper-nickel alloys because they resist corrosion from seawater and stop barnacles from adhering to the hull, thereby reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency. Brass is more malleable and has better acoustic properties than pure copper or zinc; as a result, it is used in a variety of musical instruments, including trumpets, trombones, and cymbals.
