Copper (Cu) is one of the earliest discovered metals. It has a reddish-orange color with a metallic shine, and is soft, ductile, and highly conductive. These properties make it widely used in electrical wiring, electronics, and construction. Copper is also the base for many important alloys, such as bronze, brass, sterling silver, and nickel silver. It is durable, easy to recycle, and retains its performance even after multiple uses.