The discovery of copper around 9000 BC pushed humanity out of the Stone Age and allowed for numerous advancements across civilizations. The Copper Age is now seen as a stepping stone between the Neolithic and Bronze Ages (the technical name for this period given by archeologists is the Chalcolithic Age). Initially, copper was hammered out into large sheets, where it was then used for tools, ornaments, and weapons. Copper made the tools sharper, the ornaments more beautiful, and the weapons lighter. About 4000 years after it was first used, humans determined that copper could be smelted and used for more refined purposes. Thanks to charcoal-burning, furnaces reached high enough temperatures to enable sophisticated and reliable smelting processes. Archaeologists have traced the oldest known smelting site to Rudnik Mountain in Serbia. Copper operations there date back to 5000 BC. All 5 Pound Copper Bullion Cubes arrive in protective plastic and/or bubble wrap. You may note that these cubes do not use the same weight system as gold and silver. Rather, they are weighted in ADVP ounces. This stands for Avoirdupois ounces, a French phrase that means goods of weight. Engraved on the top of 5 Pound Copper Cubes is the copper symbol Cu from the Periodic Table. Youll also find coppers atomic number, 29, and its atomic weight of 63.546. Additional markings include the word Copper, 5 Pounds, its density of 8.92, and its melting point of 1085 degrees Celsius.