Copper comes from a Latin term cyprium (after the island of Cyprus) meaning "the metal of Cyprus." Copper dates back to prehistoric times but has been mined for 5000 years, however it's exact discoverer is unknown. Cu is Copper's chemical symbol. It contains 29 protons/electrons (atomic number) and 35 neutrons. It's atomic weight is 65.39. Copper is an orangy, red metal that is found in ores as a solid form. It can be found in such countries as the United States, Chile, Zambia, Zaire, Peru, and Canada. The most important copper ores are the sulfides, oxides, and carbonates. From these copper is obtained by smelting, leaching, and electrolysis. It's alloys, brass and bronze, long used, are