When did man first use copper?

The exact date of the start of copper use has not been preserved. Historians agree that the smelting of copper products – weapons and tools began as early as the 6th-5th centuries BC. The beginning of working with metals in such ancient times was determined by the characteristics of the metal – despite the low strength, copper tools were much more effective than stone ones, and it was relatively easy to process copper. The metal itself is quite inert and very often was in its native state. Casting or forging tools from copper was also relatively easy due to the low melting point of the metal. It is possible that copper began to be used even earlier, in its native form, but only the beginning of the use of metal for melting various products left evidence sufficiently clear to be sure about something.