Copper occurs naturally in the Earth̢۪s crust in a variety of forms. With its unique combination of properties, copper has myriad uses. It is one of the most recycled of all metals and it is 100% recyclable without any loss of quality. Pure copper is soft and malleable; a freshly exposed surface has a reddish-orange color. It is used as a conductor of heat and electricity, a building material, and a constituent of various metal alloys.