Copper

I am shiny and reddish-brown, just like a brand new penny. I love to sparkle in the sun. Sometimes, if you leave me outside in the rain for a very, very long time, I change my color to a pretty green. I am super strong and love to help things work so you can play. Can you guess who I am? I'm Copper.

I am a very, very old friend to people. Long, long ago, even before there were big cities or cars, people found me just lying on the ground. This was around 9000 BCE. They saw my shiny color and picked me up. They learned I was soft and could be gently hammered into new shapes. They made me into tiny tools to help them and pretty beads to wear on necklaces. Later, around 5000 BCE, they learned a secret. If they made me super hot with a fire, I would turn into a bright, glowing liquid. They could pour me into a shape and let me cool down. When I was hard again, I was a strong axe or a useful pot for cooking food.

Today, I am all around you, even if you can't see me. I am hiding inside the walls of your house. I am in the thin wires that carry electricity to make your lights turn on and your toys zoom and beep. I am also in the pipes that bring clean, cool water to your sink so you can wash your hands and get a drink. You can even find me in little round coins called pennies. From the first simple tools to the lights in your room, I love being a helpful, shiny friend that connects your wonderful world.