Copper
Image: Andrew Egorov (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameCopper
Chemical FormulaCu
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorcopper-red
Cleavagenone
Fracturehackly
Specific Gravity8.95
Colorscopper-red, brown, green
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityMichigan (USA), Bolivia, Russia, Australia, Chile
Mineral GroupNative Elements
Useselectrical conductor, coinage, plumbing, jewelry, industrial, collector
Associated Mineralscuprite, malachite, azurite, chalcocite, silver
Rarityuncommon
Description
The image shows a microscopic view of copper, revealing a dendritic microstructure with branching, tree-like patterns formed during solidification. The material appears yellowish-brown under magnification, with a large dark inclusion.
Geological Context
Native copper typically forms in the oxidized zones of copper ore deposits, in basaltic lavas (especially amygdaloidal basalts), and occasionally in hydrothermal veins. It crystallizes directly from fluids or melts without combining with other elements.
