When was copper discovered?

Copper was one of the first metals man discovered and used, so no one is sure of the exact date of its discovery. Archaeologists have discovered copper tools and decorative items dating to 9000 B.C.

Between 5,000 and 6,000 years ago, the early Mesopotamians extracted and worked with copper. By 3000 B.C. man was able to extract copper from ores. Copper was soft, but mixing it with other metals created alloys with greater strength, leading to the Bronze Age. Around 2750 B.C., copper pipes were used to convey water to King Sa'Hu-Re's Temple in Abusir. Copper was also used in King Solomon's Temple around 9000 B.C.