Beads of copper with the ore malachite. Copper (Cu) is a transition metal element. It is a soft, dense, ductile and malleable metal. It is also an excellent conductor and is used for electrical wiring and heating coils. Unlike iron, copper does not rust away in damp conditions, instead forming a protective layer of copper oxide that prevents further corrosion. Copper has a melting point of 1084 degrees Celsius.