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Copper is the chemical element on the periodic table with the atomic number of 29 and the symbol of “Cu.” It has a very high electrical and thermal conductivity and is a ductile metal. It is soft, malleable, and reddish-orange in coloration when it is freshly exposed. It is used-- and has been used for thousands of years-- in a variety of metal alloys, as well as to conduct electricity and heat and as a building material. It is also used by artists, both in the form of copper itself and as a component of pigments. Its name comes from the Latin word “cuprum,” which is a shortened version of “cyprium,” meaning “metal of Cyprus.” Cyprus was the region in which copper was principally mined in the Roman era. Apart from its many valuable uses to us, copper is also an essential trace dietary mineral for humans and all other living organisms. The majority of copper is extracted or mined as copper sulfides from porphyry copper deposits. These huge, open pit mines typically contain 0.4 to 1.0% copper. Chile was declared the number one mine producer of copper by the British Geological Survey in 2005. Copper is also formed in massive stars and exists in the earth's crust (the latter type being referred to as “native copper”).
On a metaphysical level, copper—known for being a strong energy conductor—is said to encourage the emotional (as well as the physical) bodies to achieve alignment by sending and amplifying thoughts, gem electrical energy and healing energy into its wearer’s energy field. Consequently, the wearer would experience calmer behavior, clearer thinking, and an overall boost to self-esteem. In addition, wearing copper may facilitate the release of the “excess charge” of anger and resentment. Its very mineral composition is believed to bring balance between cool lunar energy and warm sun energy. Copper is often used in the making of crystal wands and kept by New Age followers due to its alleged ability to “straighten” the properties of other stones and crystals. It has been used by people all over the world during mental and physical healing rites for good reason, and also during psychic communication sessions, as it may amplify thoughts.
It is commonly held knowledge that copper is worn as a bracelet by those who suffer from arthritis. Wearers claim that keeping copper against their skin eases their suffering of its symptoms. This is just one example of how copper is used to heal the body on a physical level. Crystal healers also use it to support the health of red blood cells and tissues. It is said to battle rheumatism, anemia, viral and bacterial infection, exhaustion, and infertility and believed to support blood circulation and detoxification, healthy bones and metabolism, and more. Copper is claimed to work wonders in balancing the physical body as a whole. However, care should be taken, as it can be poisonous and sometimes even fatal in excessive amounts.