Discovered : known to ancient civilisations Origin : The name is derived from 'Cuprum', the Latin name for Cyprus. Description : A reddish-gold metal that is easily worked and drawn into wire. It has great ability to conduct both heat and electricity. Traditionally it has been one of the coinage metals along with silver and gold, but it is the most common and therefore the least valued of this group. Historically, copper was the first metal to be worked by people and the discovery that it could be hardened with a little tin to form the alloy bronze gave its name to the Bronze Age. The metal is an essential element for humans. Image : Alchemical symbol.