Copper looks different from metals like steel or brass. It feels warm and cozy. It's also strong and stops germs, which makes it perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
Copper vs. Aluminum:
Aluminum is light and cheap, but it doesn't conduct heat and electricity as well as copper. It also rusts easily and looks dull over time. Copper, on the other hand, gets a greenish coating that protects it and makes it look cool. Copper is tougher than aluminum, so it lasts longer in things that need to be strong.
Copper also kills germs, which is great for keeping things clean. Aluminum doesn't do this, so copper is better for surfaces that need to stay germ-free.
Copper vs. Brass:
Brass is a mix of copper and zinc and has many of the same good qualities as copper, like being easy to shape and killing germs. But brass needs a lot of polishing to stay shiny, while copper gets a nice protective layer over time that doesn't need much care. Copper is also better at carrying electricity than brass, so it's used more in wires and other things that need a good flow of electricity. Copper is also stronger than brass. It doesn't wear out or rust as easily, so it lasts longer in things that need to stay strong.
Copper vs. Stainless Steel:
Stainless steel is strong and doesn't rust easily, but it's not as good at conducting heat and electricity as copper. It's also harder to shape into nice designs and shows fingerprints more. You have to clean stainless steel a lot to keep it looking nice.
Copper gets a pretty greenish coating over time that makes it look cool and protects it from rust. It's easier to shape into fancy designs, so it's great for things like lights, doorknobs, and handles on cabinets.
Copper vs. Bronze:
Bronze is a strong mix of copper and tin that lasts a long time without rusting. But it's heavier and doesn't carry electricity as well as copper, so it's not as good for pipes and wires.
Bronze also costs more than copper, so it's not used as much for many things. But bronze looks really special because it has a warm, golden-brown color that gets even cooler over time with a greenish coating.
People use bronze a lot for making statues, sculptures, and fancy decorations on buildings because it looks timeless and unique.