Although copper most commonly occurs in oxidized states and mixed with other elements, it is found in its native form in various regions of the world.
The largest deposits of native copper found in the world have been in the Northwestern portion of the Northern Penninsula of Michigan, especially in the region known as the Keweenaw Peninsula, which is nicknamed "Copper Country." State nickname: Wolverine State or Great Lakes State Other U.S. States Capital Lansing Largest city Detroit Governor Jennifer Granholm (D) Official languages English Area 250,941 km² (11th) - Land 147,255 km² - Water 103,687 km² (41. ... The Keweenaw Peninsula is the most northern part of Michigans Upper Peninsula. ...
Evidence exists of copper trading routes occuring throughout North America amongst the Native Aboriginal peoples, proven by isotopic analysis.
Copper was associated with the goddess Aphrodite/Venus in mythology and alchemy, owing to its lustrous beauty, its ancient use in producing mirrors, and its association with Cyprus, which was sacred to the goddess.
Copper is found in a variety of enzymes, including the copper centers of cytochrome c oxidase, the Cu-Zn containing enzyme superoxide dismutase, and is the central metal in the oxygen carrying pigment hemocyanin.
Copper doorknobs are used by hospitals to reduce the transfer of disease, and Legionnaire's Disease is supressed by copper tubing in air-conditioning systems.
Nativecopper is found only in small quantities throughout the world, but there are a few areas that are rich in findings, such as the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan.
NativeCopper was the only source of copper until the turn of the century, when extraction methods were improved.
Copper is also used in pigments, insecticides, and fungicides, although it has of lately been largely replaced by synthetic chemicals.