Classification according to the forms existing in nature

Natural copper——The copper content is above 99%, but the reserves are very small;

Copper oxide ore-----not many

Copper sulfide ore - The copper content is extremely low, generally around 2--3%. More than 80% of the copper in the world is refined from copper sulfide ore.

Classification by production process

Copper concentrate - ore with higher copper content selected before smelting.

Blister Copper——The product after smelting copper concentrate, the copper content is 95-98%.

Pure copper - copper with a content of more than 99% after smelting or electrolysis. Fire refining can obtain 99-99.9% pure copper, and electrolysis can make the copper purity reach 99.95-99.99%.

Classification by main alloy composition

Brass-----Copper-zinc alloy. Brass has good mechanical properties and wear resistance, and can be used to manufacture precision instruments, ship parts, and shells for guns. Brass sounds good when struck, so musical instruments such as gongs, cymbals, bells, and horns are all made of brass. The alloy of copper, zinc and tin is resistant to seawater erosion and can be used to make ship parts and balancers.

Bronze-----copper-tin alloy, etc. (except zinc and nickel, alloys with other elements are called bronze). Bronze generally has good corrosion resistance, wear resistance, castability and excellent mechanical properties. It is used to manufacture precision bearings, high-pressure bearings, mechanical parts on ships that are resistant to seawater corrosion, and various plates, pipes, bars, etc. Bronze also has an anomalous property - "thermal shrinkage and cold expansion", which is used to cast statues, and expands after cooling, which can make the eyes clearer. Alloy of copper, tin and phosphorus, hard, can make springs.

Cupronickel-----copper-cobalt-nickel alloy. Its color and lustre are the same as silver, and it is not easy to rust. Commonly used in the manufacture of coins, appliances, meters and decorations.

Classified by product form: copper tube, copper rod, copper wire, copper plate, copper strip, copper strip, copper foil, etc.