1. ‘Discolouration’ of the Statue of Liberty 

Event: The Statue of Liberty was originally a bright copper (reddish-brown), but over decades of oxidation, a greenish colour of copper alkali carbonate (cuprite) has formed on its surface.

Interesting point: 

The patina actually protects the copper inside from further corrosion, so no additional maintenance is required.

If the verdigris was cleaned off, the statue would change back to its original colour, but would corrode faster, so people chose to keep the green appearance.

2. Ancient Egyptian ‘Copper Scalpel’ 

Event: Archaeological discoveries have shown that the ancient Egyptians used copper surgical tools to perform surgical operations in 2600 BC.

Interesting: 

Copper is naturally antibacterial, and although the ancient Egyptians did not understand the scientific principles, they found that copper tools could reduce infections.

Modern medical research confirms that copper surfaces kill bacteria (e.g. E. coli, MRSA) quickly. 3.

3. Copper's ‘anti-theft’ function 

Event: In 2017, a Chilean hospital replaced door handles and handrails with copper, resulting in a 40% reduction in infections.

Interesting point: 

Copper ions disrupt bacterial cell membranes and DNA, which hospitals use to fight superbugs.

The New York City underground experimented with covering high-frequency contact areas with copper alloys to reduce the spread of germs. 4.

4. Copper and the ‘Vampire Legend’ 

EVENT: In European folklore, copper is said to repel vampires and evil creatures.

Interesting: 

It may be related to the antimicrobial properties of copper, which was believed by the ancients to ‘purify’ the environment.

In some cultures, copper coins were placed in the eyes or mouths of the dead as "amulets.

5. Olympic gold medals are actually ‘silver + copper’ 

Event: According to the International Olympic Committee, Olympic gold medals must contain at least 6 grams of gold, with the rest mainly silver and copper.

Interesting point: 

The gold medals for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics contain about 550 grams of copper (about 95 per cent), with a real value of about $80.

Pure gold medals are too soft, copper adds hardness and durability. 6.

6. Copper's ‘sound magic’ 

Event: Ancient musical instruments such as bells, cymbals and gongs were made from copper alloys.

Interesting: 

Copper has excellent resonance properties and produces a long, clear sound.

Copper bowls in Tibet are believed to have ‘healing frequencies’ and modern science has found that their sound waves can relieve anxiety.

7. Copper theft in the US has become a social problem. 

Event: In recent years, there have been many cases of copper wire theft in the US, which have led to power outages and railway failures.

Interesting points: 

Copper prices are high (about $4/lb) and thieves are targeting wires, air conditioning components and even cemetery plaques.

In California, a thief once cut fibre optic cables (mistaking them for copper) and knocked out an entire city's internet connection.

8. Copper's ‘Journey to Space’ 

EVENT: NASA uses copper alloys extensively in its spacecraft, such as the circuits and radiators of the Curiosity Mars rover.

Interesting point: 

Copper's thermal conductivity helps equipment operate in extreme temperatures.

Parts of the Apollo lunar module also relied on copper for wires. 9.

9. Copper and ‘Cat Hatred’ 

Incident: Many cats hate stepping on copper.

Interesting point: 

It's possible that the conductivity of copper makes the cat's flesh pads feel a slight sting.

In gardening, copper tape is used to repel snails and slugs (their slime reacts with copper).

10. The ‘superconducting potential’ of copper 

Event: In 1986, scientists discovered that copper oxides are superconducting at low temperatures.

Interesting point: 

This type of material (high-temperature superconductors) is still a hot topic of research and could revolutionise energy transmission technology.

However, pure copper is not a superconductor by itself and requires special compounds.