Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q126871368" class="extiw" title="d:Q126871368"><span title="photographer from the United States">Darla Sondrol</span></a></bdi> (CC0)
cubicuncommonNative Elements
Copper
Cu
This specimen shows native copper as dark brownish masses, tarnished from its typical coppery-red color, with some areas altered to green malachite. It is embedded within white calcite, forming a striking contrast.
Copper Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
2.5Crystal System
cubicLuster
metallicStreak Color
copper-redCleavage
noneFracture
hacklySpecific Gravity
8.94Colors
copper-red, brownish-red, dark brown, green (when altered)Transparency
opaqueType Locality
Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan, USA; Coro Coro, BoliviaMineral Group
Native ElementsUses
electrical conductor, jewelry, coinage, alloys, collectorAssociated Minerals
calcite, malachite, cuprite, azurite, epidoteRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Native copper typically forms in the oxidized zones of copper sulfide deposits, in basaltic lava flows filling amygdules and fissures, or in hydrothermal veins. It is often found in association with other copper minerals and zeolites.
