Final answer:
Gold and copper were among the first metals used by humans due to their occurrence in nature in workable, native metallic forms, making them easily accessible for early metalworking practices like creating tools, ornaments, and sculptures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gold and copper were some of the first forms of matter to be worked on by humans due to their unique properties. Copper is one of the native metals that can occur in nature in a metallic form that is directly usable, leading to its use from around 8000 BC. It was further advanced to be the first metal smelted from sulfide ores around 5000 BC, cast into shape around 4000 BC, and alloyed to create bronze around 3500 BC. Gold, known for its bright and shiny appearance, is usually found in its native metallic state in nature, and due to its association with wealth and power, it was highly sought after by ancient civilizations. It was worked into jewelry and ceremonial objects as seen in artifacts dating back to as early as 2100 BCE.
Advancements in metalworking and the extraction of metals critically shaped human civilization, as seen in periods like the Bronze Age and Iron Age. Unlike iron, which occurs mainly in oxidized forms and requires advanced smelting techniques, copper and gold's natural occurrence in elemental form made them much more accessible to early humans for tool-making and decoration. Subsequently, these metals were integral to the early development of human technology, culture, and social organization.