The copper is a reddish-orange metal, with very high thermal and electrical conductivity, the second highest behind silver; it is highly corrosion resistant but not oxidation resistant because of self-forming patinas on its surface. At first this layer is of a brown-black shade (copper oxide) then it becomes green or verdigris (copper salts exposed to humidity and to sulphur-based polluting agents); it is not magnetic.

Pure copper is very ductile and malleable; easy to work. It has a soft consistency; it can be easily recycled and its scrap has a high recycling value. It is a constituent of various metal alloys, the most common ones are bronze and brass. Moreover the copper is bacteriostatic, that is it stops bacteria from reproducing on its surface.

The copper leaves got by hammering , are about 0.3 µ thick. They are usually applied by means of water-based glues (water based mission) or fat glues (fat mission) on accurately prepared surfaces.

They are sensitive to UV rays and as mentioned above, to humidity and temperature in the presence of polluting agents ; we recommend to store them closed in their original package, away from direct sunlight at room temperature (recommended 18-23 C°).