Copper Sinks and Copper Bath Tubs – Recycled Copper vs. Pure Copper
Thinking about purchasing a copper sink or bath tub for your home? Copper sink and bathtub is one of the most beautiful choices. It gives natural warmth and timeless beauty that echoes of the past yet is rich in ‘modern-day’ appeal. But not all copper sinks and bath tubs are equal. The components that go in to producing a copper kitchen sink, bathroom sink, vessel sink or bathtub are critical to its quality, appearance, ease of use and longevity.
There are several elements to look for when choosing a copper sink or bathtub. Today we are going to talk about “Pure Copper vs. Recycled Copper”. There are more, so stay tuned.
Pure Copper vs. Recycled Copper
Although copper has been used for nearly 10,000 years, only about 12% of the known worldwide copper resources have been mined throughout history. And, because copper is indestructible, nearly all of it is still in circulation… but mostly in ‘recycled’ form.
recycled copper…
When an item made of copper is discarded, it is melted down, combined with other alloys, then re-marketed in the form of recycled copper. As a result, the majority of copper on the market today is no longer pure copper. It’s an 80/20 or 90/10 copper/alloy mix. And, the ‘mix’ portion is comprised of unknown alloys… as there is no industry standard.
pure copper…
On the other hand, a kitchen sink, bathroom sink or bath tub made of copper plays a dual role in your home. It obviously must be functional, but because it is in full view at all times, it is equally important that it be aesthetically pleasing as well!
Many of the copper sinks and bath tubs on the market today are made of recycled copper which is really not well suited to handle the dual role of function and beauty… the primary duties of sinks and bathtubs. Only a copper kitchen sink, bathroom sink, vessel sink or bath tub made of pure copper will truly satisfy both of these needs.
here’s why…
Kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks and bathtubs are the absolute ‘work horses’ of your home. They not only have to be strong enough to withstand the demands of your busy family, they must also be easy to care for and remain beautiful in the face of constant daily use!
While copper sinks and bathtubs made of recycled copper may look beautiful when they’re first installed, they usually become a huge disappointment… sometimes, very quickly and often times even before they are put to use!
The reason for this is the ‘alloy mix’… that 10% or 20% mix of ‘unknown’ alloys that are a part of recycled copper.
In it’s pure, natural state, copper has an entire menu of incredibly beneficial features… many of which are discussed here. These features are exactly what makes pure copper the ideal choice for your kitchen and bath!
When ‘unknown’ alloys enter the picture however, they, in essence, contaminate the copper. The alloy mix compromises the integrity of copper’s pure natural state and dilutes or inhibits copper’s very unique characteristics that make it such a beautiful and ideal metal in the first place.
The result? You end up with a copper kitchen sink, bathroom sink, vessel sink or bath tub that just doesn’t quite do the job it was intended too!
Now… you should have a good understanding of why it’s wise to insist that your Copper Kitchen Sink, Copper Bar Sink, Copper Bathroom Sink, or Copper Bath Tub be made of pure copper!
*note: the term pure copper refers to copper as mother nature created it… 99.9% copper!