The metal is also an essential trace mineral, crucial for forming red blood cells, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Fortunately, most everyone gets enough copper from foods such as grains, beans, potatoes and leafy greens. Too much copper is bad for the body. Ingesting high levels of the metal can cause abdominal pain and vomiting. Long-term exposure may lead to symptoms such as anemia, convulsions and diarrhea, which is often bloody and may be blue. Copper has antimicrobial properties and kills bacteria, viruses and yeasts on contact. As a result, copper can even be woven into fabrics to make antimicrobial garments, like socks that fight foot fungus. About two-thirds of the copper on Earth is found in igneous (volcanic) rocks. About a quarter occurs in sedimentary rocks, according to the USGS. The metal is ductile and malleable and conducts heat and electricity well, explaining its use in electronics and wiring.Copper turns green because of an oxidation reaction; that is, it loses electrons when exposed to water and air. The resulting copper oxide is a dull green. This oxidation reaction is the reason the copper-plated Statue of Liberty is green rather than
The metal is also an essential trace mineral, crucial for forming red blood cells, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Fortunately, most everyone gets enough copper from foods such as grains, beans, potatoes and leafy greens. Too much copper is bad for the body. Ingesting high levels of the metal can cause abdominal pain and vomiting. Long-term exposure may lead to symptoms such as anemia, convulsions and diarrhea, which is often bloody and may be blue. Copper has antimicrobial properties and kills bacteria, viruses and yeasts on contact. As a result, copper can even be woven into fabrics to make antimicrobial garments, like socks that fight foot fungus. About two-thirds of the copper on Earth is found in igneous (volcanic) rocks. About a quarter occurs in sedimentary rocks, according to the USGS. The metal is ductile and malleable and conducts heat and electricity well, explaining its use in electronics and wiring.Copper turns green because of an oxidation reaction; that is, it loses electrons when exposed to water and air. The resulting copper oxide is a dull green. This oxidation reaction is the reason the copper-plated Statue of Liberty is green rather than