ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Copper Green

When things that are made out of copper, like old statues or roofs, are left outside for a long time, they can start to turn a green color. This green color is called copper green. The reason it happens is because copper reacts with air and water to form a substance called copper oxide. This substance is green and it covers the copper, making it look green too.

Think of it like when you leave food out for too long and it starts to get moldy. That's kind of like what happens to copper when it's left outside.

Some people actually like the look of copper green and think it makes things look old and rustic. But if you want to keep your copper looking shiny and new, you need to take good care of it and not let it sit in the rain and sun for too long.