Q. The first metal used by the man was (UPSC Prelims/1979)
Correct Answer: (b) Copper
Why option (b) is correct?
• Copper was found in free (native) state in nature
• It has a low melting point and is easy to shape
• Early humans used copper for tools, weapons, and ornaments
• Copper was found in free (native) state in nature
• It has a low melting point and is easy to shape
• Early humans used copper for tools, weapons, and ornaments
Stages of Early Material Use
• Paleolithic Age → Stone tools
• Neolithic Age → Polished stone tools
• Chalcolithic Age → Copper + Stone
• Bronze Age → Bronze (Copper + Tin)
• Iron Age → Iron
Why other options are incorrect?
• Iron → Required advanced smelting technology
• Aluminium → Extracted only by modern electrolysis
• Gold → Used mainly for ornaments, not tools
Important Exam Facts
• First metal used by humans → Copper
• First alloy used → Bronze
• Chalcolithic Age is also called Copper-Stone Age