Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/31856336@N03">Mike Beauregard</a> from Canada (CC BY 2.0)
cubicuncommonNative Elements
Copper
Cu
This specimen is a large, dendritic formation of native copper, resembling a metallic 'bonsai tree' with intricate, branching structures and a characteristic copper-red to brownish metallic luster.
Copper Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
2.5Crystal System
cubicLuster
metallicStreak Color
copper-redCleavage
noneFracture
hacklySpecific Gravity
8.9Colors
copper-red, brown, greenTransparency
opaqueType Locality
Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan, USAMineral Group
Native ElementsUses
electrical conductor, coinage, alloys, sculpture, collectorAssociated Minerals
calcite, epidote, prehnite, silver, chalcocite, cupriteRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Native copper typically forms in the oxidized zones of copper sulfide deposits, in basaltic lavas (such as those found in the Keweenaw Peninsula), or in hydrothermal veins, often resulting from the reduction of copper-bearing solutions.
