Copper was first used to make coins and ornaments around 8000 B.C.
Early humans quickly recognized copper's unique properties, including its malleability and relatively low melting point. This allowed them to shape it into various forms without sophisticated tools or techniques.
Early Applications of Copper
- Ornaments: Copper's attractive appearance made it ideal for decorative items. Beads, pendants, and other personal adornments crafted from copper have been discovered at early archaeological sites.
- Coins: While the earliest forms of currency were not exclusively copper, its use in coin production dates back thousands of years. The metal's durability and value made it a suitable material for monetary purposes.
- Tools: Around 5500 B.C., the utilization of copper for tools marked a significant advancement. Copper tools, although softer than later bronze or iron tools, provided a considerable improvement over stone implements and helped propel civilization forward from the Stone Age. Examples include axes, chisels, and awls.
Transition from Stone Age
The shift to using copper tools was a pivotal moment in human history. This transition, sometimes referred to as the Chalcolithic period (Copper Age), demonstrated the increasing sophistication of human technology and resourcefulness. The availability of more effective tools led to advancements in agriculture, construction, and other essential aspects of early societies.
In summary, the initial uses of copper centered on its aesthetic appeal for ornaments and its practical applications in early currency and, critically, the development of rudimentary tools that paved the way for advancements beyond the Stone Age.
